New
New
Year 11

Spreadsheet modelling

I can identify the key components of a spreadsheet and use a spreadsheet model for a given scenario.

New
New
Year 11

Spreadsheet modelling

I can identify the key components of a spreadsheet and use a spreadsheet model for a given scenario.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Key components of a spreadsheet model include cells, rows, columns and sheets.
  2. Spreadsheet formatting can be used to visualise data effectively.
  3. Mathematical operations can be performed within cells using formulas and functions.
  4. A spreadsheet model represents real-world scenarios using data, formulas and rules.

Keywords

  • Cell - a rectangular box used in a spreadsheet to store data

  • Formula - performs calculations in a spreadsheet

  • Formatting - modifying the appearance of data in a spreadsheet

  • Function - a ready-made instruction that performs a specific mathematical job

Common misconception

Spreadsheet formatting is only used to make a spreadsheet look attractive.

Spreadsheet formatting is used to make information clearer but is also important to ensure data values such as currency are formatted correctly.


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

File needed for this lesson

  • RCS spreadsheet L1 72.04 KB (XLSX)

Download this file 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 them available to pupils on your school's shared drive or cloud storage area.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pupils will need access to 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

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a row in a table?
Correct answer: a horizontal line of data
a vertical line of data
a single piece of data
a calculation in a table
Q2.
Which symbol is used for addition in calculations?
Correct Answer: +
Q3.
Which symbol is used for division in calculations?
Correct Answer: /
Q4.
What is a formula in software?
a heading in a table
a type of data storage
a row of data
Correct answer: a set of instructions to perform a calculation
Q5.
What is the purpose of tables in software?
to create animations
Correct answer: to organise data in rows and columns
to write essays
to store images
Q6.
What is the result of 6 * 3?
9
Correct answer: 18
12
21

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is NOT a key component of a spreadsheet model?
cells
rows
columns
Correct answer: images
Q2.
Match the keywords to their correct definitions:
Correct Answer:cell,a rectangular box used in a spreadsheet to store data

a rectangular box used in a spreadsheet to store data

Correct Answer:formatting,modifying the appearance of data in a spreadsheet

modifying the appearance of data in a spreadsheet

Correct Answer:formula,performs calculations in a spreadsheet

performs calculations in a spreadsheet

Correct Answer:function,a ready-made instruction that performs a specific mathematical job

a ready-made instruction that performs a specific mathematical job

Q3.
What is the purpose of spreadsheet formatting?
to make the spreadsheet look attractive
Correct answer: to visualise data effectively
to add extra rows and columns
to create new formulas
Q4.
What symbol is used to start a formula?
Correct Answer: =, equals, equal
Q5.
Type in the formula to subtract B5 from J2:
Correct Answer: =J2-B5
Q6.
Type in the function to add cell A1 to A5.
Correct Answer: =SUM(A1:A5)