New
New
Year 11

Improving a spreadsheet model

I can use a range of tools to improve a spreadsheet model.

New
New
Year 11

Improving a spreadsheet model

I can use a range of tools to improve a spreadsheet model.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A spreadsheet model is used to represent a real-world situation.
  2. It uses data to help you to understand a real-life scenario and to make plans.
  3. A macro is a recorded set of actions that can be repeated automatically in a spreadsheet.
  4. Macros can be recorded using built-in tools and assigned to buttons for easy access.
  5. Using macros can make spreadsheet models more efficient and easier to use.

Keywords

  • Model - a set of data, formulas and calculations used to test different situations

  • Macro - a recorded set of steps in a spreadsheet

Common misconception

A macro can only be used to clear data in a spreadsheet.

A macro is used to record and repeat tasks that can be automated in a spreadsheet. They are not just used to clear or reset data.


To help you plan your year 11 computing lesson on: Improving a spreadsheet model, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Files needed for this lesson

  • RSC competition 50.83 KB (XLSX)
  • RSC live show event 87.04 KB (XLSM)

Download these files to use in the lesson.

This lesson contains downloadable spreadsheet files that pupils will need for the lesson. You could download these files prior to the lesson and make available to pupils on your school's shared drive or cloud storage area.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You may need to allow the use of macros on school systems for this lesson. This lesson is modelled using Google Sheets and some features may not work in alternative spreadsheet software.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is one way charts improve data presentation?
Correct answer: by making data easier to compare
by storing data
by calculating totals
by creating formulas
Q2.
Which chart is best for showing changes over time?
bar chart
Correct answer: line chart
pie chart
Q3.
What is the purpose of a legend in a chart?
to display data values
to calculate totals
to label the axes
Correct answer: to explain the chart’s colours or symbols
Q4.
What is an axis used for in a chart?
to store data
Correct answer: to label and measure data
to format the chart
to display formulas
Q5.
Arrange the steps to create a chart:
1 - Select the data to visualise.
2 - Choose the chart type.
3 - Insert the chart.
4 - Add labels and customise the chart.
Q6.
Match the terms with their definitions:
Correct Answer:title,describes the chart’s purpose

describes the chart’s purpose

Correct Answer:gridlines,helps you read values accurately

helps you read values accurately

Correct Answer:pie chart,shows parts of a whole

shows parts of a whole

Correct Answer:bar chart,compares data across categories

compares data across categories

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a spreadsheet model?
a chart to compare data
a tool to automate tasks
Correct answer: a set of data, formulas and calculations
a set of macros
Q2.
Why are spreadsheet models important for real-world scenarios?
they create new data
Correct answer: they help analyse and plan situations
they replace all manual tasks
they only work with numbers
Q3.
What is a recorded set of steps in a spreadsheet that can be repeated automatically?
Correct Answer: macro, a macro
Q4.
Match the following examples with their purposes:
Correct Answer:automating tasks,macro

macro

Correct Answer:analysing trends,spreadsheet model

spreadsheet model

Correct Answer:performing calculations,formula

formula

Correct Answer:comparing values visually,chart

chart

Q5.
How can a macro be assigned for easy access?
by linking it to a chart
Correct answer: by assigning it to a button
by saving it in a database
by formatting the cells
Q6.
Which of the following statements about macros is incorrect?
Correct answer: Macros can only be used to clear data.
Macros can automate repetitive tasks.
Macros can be assigned to buttons for easy access.
Macros improve efficiency in spreadsheet models.
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