Information technology should be an integral part of the existing curriculum in primary and secondary schools in England and Wales. The information handling program QUEST forms a basis for two research projects which the authors are currently coordinating. A model of information handling is proposed in which a 'common core' of information skills can be elaborated by computer approaches within any subject discipline. The design, interrogation and evaluation of data files are discussed in relation to the restraints imposed by the child's stage of development and the nature of the software employed. In conclusion, the implications of computer-related information handling for curriculum design and children's learning are briefly discussed. Diana Freeman graduated from London University with a BA (Hons) degree in geography. After spending some years in publishing with the Readers Digest Association she moved into the teaching profession and gained an MA in Education at the Institute of Education, London University. Since 1981 Diana has been involved in both software and curriculum development for computer education in the Humanities at the Advisory Unit for Computer-Based Education, Hatfield, and is co-ordinator of the Chiltern Region of the Microelectronic Education Programme Information Handling Project.