
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
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How to write basic Excel calculations using:
- =A1 + B1
- =C3 - C2
- =D4 * 10
- =E5 / 2
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How cell referencing works
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Why formulas update automatically when numbers change
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How spreadsheets model real situations
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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.
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