Which Average to Use? Maze | KS2–KS3 Maths | Mean, Median & Mode Decision-Making Activity

Help pupils master when to use mean, median or mode with this engaging Which Average to Use? Maze, perfect for upper KS2, KS3, or revision/intervention sessions. Learners analyse each data set—ranging from lists of numbers to repeated categories such as “cat, cat, dog, cat”—and decide which average is most appropriate. Their choices guide them through the maze, leading step by step towards the finish.

The solution path on page 2 shows the correct decisions, making marking instant and enabling pupils to self-check.

This activity strengthens pupils’ understanding of measures of average and, crucially, when each one is most suitable—a key reasoning skill at KS2 and KS3, and highly relevant for SATs and GCSE Foundation problem-solving.

Use it as a warm-up, reasoning starter, group challenge, homework or fun end-of-lesson puzzle.

What’s Included

◆ Full “Which Average to Use?” maze (page 1)
◆ Mixed data types: numerical lists, repeated categories & outlier sets
◆ Practice identifying when to use mean, median or mode
◆ Complete solution maze (page 2)
◆ Ideal as a reasoning warm-up or retrieval task
◆ Print-friendly layout, great for independent or paired work

Why Teachers Love It

✔ Reinforces conceptual understanding of averages
✔ Encourages mathematical reasoning, not rote calculation
✔ Highly engaging and self-checking
✔ Perfect for mixed-ability classes
✔ Zero prep—print and go

If this resource supports your learners, please consider leaving a review—your feedback helps me continue creating high-quality maths activities.