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KS3 Excel Lesson 2 – “Cheating at Maths!”
Using Basic Calculations & Cell Referencing
Fully Dyslexia-Friendly | High Engagement | Updated for 2026

Keep the momentum going with this engaging second Excel lesson, where students discover how spreadsheets let you “cheat at maths” simply by typing = and using cell references. No functions yet — just clear, confidence-building calculations using Excel’s most essential skills.

All materials are fully dyslexia-friendly, using accessible fonts, soft pastel backgrounds, clean spacing and high-contrast headings to support every learner.

What Students Will Learn

  • How to write basic Excel calculations using:

    • =A1 + B1
    • =C3 - C2
    • =D4 * 10
    • =E5 / 2
  • How cell referencing works

  • Why formulas update automatically when numbers change

  • How spreadsheets model real situations

  • The difference between typing numbers directly and referencing cells

Lesson Activities

  • Guided demonstration of typing = formulas correctly
  • Structured practice solving maths-style questions using cell references
  • Modelling tasks where students change values to see instant updates
  • “Spot the mistake” debugging activity
  • Screenshot evidence tasks for assessment
  • Extension challenge: build a mini maths grid that updates dynamically

Why Teachers Choose This Lesson

  • Fully dyslexia-friendly formatting throughout
  • High engagement theme that wins instant student buy-in
  • Clear scaffolding for mixed-ability KS3 classes
  • Safe, error-proof modelling tasks
  • Minimal prep required – slides, worksheet and editable spreadsheet included
  • Strong foundation before moving to functions in Lesson 3

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

  • Confidently write basic = formulas
  • Use cell references instead of manual number entry
  • Explain why spreadsheets are powerful modelling tools
  • Apply addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in Excel
  • Understand how changing one value updates the entire model

This lesson provides a smooth and supportive progression from Battleships and cell referencing into meaningful spreadsheet calculations — building real confidence before introducing functions in Lesson 3.

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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