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KS3 Excel Lesson 3 – Fun Into Functions!
Introduction to SUM, AVERAGE, MIN & MAX
Fully Dyslexia-Friendly | High Engagement | Updated for 2026

Bring Excel to life with this lively and accessible introduction to functions. Lesson 3 builds directly on students’ understanding of basic = calculations and introduces them to Excel’s most popular beginner functions in a clear, practical and confidence-building way.

All resources are fully dyslexia-friendly, using accessible fonts, soft pastel backgrounds, spacious layouts and colour-coded examples to support all learners, including SEND and lower-ability students.

What Students Will Learn

  • What a function is and how it differs from basic calculations

  • How to use core Excel functions:

    • =SUM()
    • =AVERAGE()
    • =MIN()
    • =MAX()
  • How to use brackets and ranges (e.g. A1:A5)

  • How cell references work inside functions

  • How changing data automatically updates results

  • Why functions are used in real-world spreadsheets

Lesson Activities

  • Clear modelling of each function with step-by-step examples
  • Guided practice calculating totals, averages and highest/lowest values
  • Real-world style data sets (scores, spending, points tables, etc.)
  • Exploring ranges and selecting multiple cells efficiently
  • “What happens if…?” modelling tasks where students change numbers to observe automatic updates
  • Screenshot evidence tasks for assessment
  • Extension challenge: combine multiple functions in one spreadsheet

Why Teachers Choose This Lesson

  • Fully dyslexia-friendly formatting throughout
  • High engagement through practical, relatable examples
  • Clear scaffolding for mixed-ability groups
  • Minimal writing, maximum hands-on practice
  • Ready-to-teach with slides, worksheets and editable Excel files included
  • Builds strong foundations for logic and modelling in later lessons

By the End of the Lesson, Students Will Be Able To

  • Use SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX confidently
  • Apply functions using cell ranges and references
  • Understand how functions automate calculations
  • Recognise real-world uses of spreadsheet modelling
  • Feel confident moving from simple formulas to structured functions

Lesson 3 moves students from basic calculations into the powerful world of functions, strengthening their spreadsheet confidence while keeping learning accessible, structured and engaging.

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 Updated for 2026 | Complete Half-Term Unit | Fully Editable 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, pastel colours and clean layouts throughout, this bundle supports all learners, including SEND and lower-ability students. Each lesson includes teacher slides, structured worksheets and editable Excel files with step-by-step guidance. Students progress from complete beginners to confident spreadsheet users through practical, real-world modelling activities. --- Lesson Breakdown Lesson 1 – Battleships & Cell Referencing Students are introduced to spreadsheets through a fun Battleships activity. They learn about rows, columns, cell names, formatting and basic referencing using an accessible grid-based model. Lesson 2 – “Cheating at Maths!” Using = Calculations Students discover how the equals sign allows Excel to calculate answers automatically. They practise writing simple formulas using cell references and see how models update instantly when numbers change. Lesson 3 – Fun Into Functions Learners are introduced to key beginner functions: SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX. Clear modelling and scaffolded tasks help students understand how functions save time and improve accuracy. Lesson 4 – IF Logic: Build a Self-Marking Quiz Students explore logical functions using IF statements. They create a simple self-marking quiz where Excel checks answers automatically, linking spreadsheet logic to computing concepts. Lesson 5 – Real-World Cost Modelling Students build a budgeting spreadsheet focused on everyday spending and cost comparison. They practise formula writing, totals and simple modelling to make financial decisions. Lesson 6 – Party Planner: Costs, Pricing & Profit Students design and plan an event. They calculate total costs, set ticket prices and determine profit or loss. This creative challenge consolidates all previous spreadsheet skills. --- Why Teachers Choose This Bundle * Fully dyslexia-friendly formatting throughout * High engagement activities that reduce behaviour issues * Strong scaffolding for mixed-ability classes * Real-world relevance that makes spreadsheets meaningful * Completely ready to teach with no extra preparation * Clear progression from basic referencing to logical modelling --- Skills Developed Across the Unit * Cell referencing and formatting * Writing formulas using = * Using functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX) * Applying IF logic * Budgeting and profit calculations * Spreadsheet modelling and decision-making * Problem solving using digital tools --- This KS3 Excel Mega-Bundle provides everything needed for a full half-term of structured, accessible and engaging spreadsheet teaching. Students build confidence step by step while developing practical digital skills they will use throughout school and beyond.

£9.99

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