xlsx, 35.84 KB
xlsx, 35.84 KB
docx, 549.49 KB
docx, 549.49 KB
pptx, 41.3 MB
pptx, 41.3 MB
mp4, 5.14 MB
mp4, 5.14 MB

KS3 Excel Lesson – Battleships Modelling Activity (Dyslexia-Friendly | High Engagement | Perfect Starter Lesson)

Give your KS3 students a truly accessible and engaging introduction to spreadsheets with this Battleships-themed Excel lesson. Designed with dyslexia-friendly fonts, colours and layout, this resource ensures every learner can succeed — including lower-ability and SEND pupils.

What students will learn (Lesson 1):

  • Cell Referencing Made Easy — Students confidently use key terms: row, column, cell and cell reference (e.g. B6), all reinforced with clear, dyslexia-friendly visuals.
  • Spreadsheets as Models — Pupils discover how a simple grid can represent a real-world system. Using the Battleships theme, they build a working model step-by-step.
  • Professional Cell Formatting — Learners apply borders, shading, alignment and colour in a structured, accessible way to create their own personalised game board.

Why this resource stands out on TES:

  • Fully dyslexia-friendly: OpenDyslexic (or similar) font throughout, pastel backgrounds, high-contrast headings, clean spacing and clutter-free layout.
  • Behaviour-proof engagement: The Battleships hook captures attention instantly — even reluctant learners stay focused.
  • Ideal for mixed ability groups: Clear visuals, chunked steps and scaffolding suitable for SEND and EAL students.
  • Perfect for Computing, ICT or Cover: No prior knowledge of spreadsheets required. Works on both Excel and Google Sheets.
  • Printable + editable versions included: Use as-is or adapt for your own classes.

By the end of the lesson, students leave with:

  • A fully formatted Battleships grid they are proud of
  • A clear understanding of cell referencing and spreadsheet structure
  • A positive first experience with Excel in a supportive, accessible format

If you’re looking for a KS3 spreadsheet lesson that is genuinely inclusive, visually accessible and fun, this Battleships activity is the perfect start to your unit.

Creative Commons "Sharealike"

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 20%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

KS3 Excel Mega-Bundle – 6 Fully-Dyslexia-Friendly Lessons (Battleships, Maths Modelling, Functions, Logic, Budgeting & Profit!)

*KS3 Excel Mega-Bundle – 6 Fully-Dyslexia-Friendly Lessons (Battleships, Maths Modelling, Functions, Logic, Budgeting & Profit!)* Transform the way your KS3 students learn spreadsheets with this **complete 6-lesson Excel unit**, fully resourced, highly engaging, and designed with **dyslexia-friendly fonts, colours and layout** throughout. Every lesson includes teacher slides, worksheets, editable Excel files and step-by-step tasks that ensure success for all learners, including SEND and lower-ability students. This bundle takes students from absolute beginners to confident spreadsheet users through fun, practical and real-world modelling activities. *What’s included in the 6-lesson sequence:* *Lesson 1 – Battleships & Cell Referencing* *Introduce spreadsheets through a fun Battleships activity.* Students learn rows, columns, cells, formatting and basic referencing using a fully accessible grid-based model. *Lesson 2 – “Cheating at Maths!” Using = Calculations* Show pupils how simple **=** formulas can calculate answers automatically. They learn to use cell referencing to solve maths problems and see how modelling updates instantly. *Lesson 3 – Fun Into Functions!* Students discover Excel’s most popular beginner functions: **SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX**. Step-by-step, dyslexia-friendly instructions build confidence with real-world examples. *Lesson 4 – IF & ELSE Logic: Build a Self-Marking Quiz* Introduce spreadsheet logic with IF statements. Students create a mini quiz where Excel marks their answers automatically — a brilliant link to computing and coding concepts. *Lesson 5 – Real-World Cost Modelling* Learners build a practical budgeting spreadsheet for shopping, everyday spending and simple cost analysis. A perfect real-world application of formulas and modelling. *Lesson 6 – Party Planner: Costs, Pricing & Profit!* Students design a party, add their own items, calculate costs, set ticket prices and work out profit or loss. This creative challenge consolidates the whole unit. *Why this bundle sells exceptionally well on TES:* * ✔ **Fully dyslexia-friendly design** – OpenDyslexic font (or similar), pastel backgrounds, spacious layouts, clean formatting and colour-coded examples in every lesson. * ✔ **Extremely high engagement** – Battleships, self-marking quizzes, party planning and budgeting keep behaviour low and motivation high. * ✔ **Perfect for mixed-ability KS3 groups** – Step-by-step tasks, scaffolded worksheets, clear modelling, and optional extension challenges. * ✔ **Ready-to-teach** – All six lessons include PowerPoints, worksheets and editable Excel templates. No preparation needed. * ✔ **Real-world relevance** – Students quickly see how spreadsheets matter in life, business, money, events and computing. *Skills students will master across the bundle:* * Cell referencing * Formatting & layout * Basic operations using = * Functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX) * IF/ELSE logic * Budgeting, costs & profit * Spreadsheet modelling & decision-making This 6-lesson Excel bundle gives you **everything you need for a full half-term of KS3 Computing** — fully accessible, fun to teach, and proven to keep students engaged from start to finish.

£9.99

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