These engaging worksheets are a fantastic way for your students to practise creating spreadsheets with algorithms and using them to solve real-life problems.

Set around a fun and familiar context - a school movie night fundraiser - this activity encourages students to use digital technologies to model practical financial scenarios. Students are guided step-by-step to create a spreadsheet and then use built-in algorithms and formulas to calculate totals, solve problems, and interpret results. It’s a great way to connect mathematics, problem-solving and digital literacy.

With three differentiated versions included, this resource is designed to support a wide range of learners. Each version increases in complexity, allowing you to match students with a level appropriate to their skill and confidence. Whether used for individual practice, assessment, or as part of a unit on data and digital systems, this activity supports purposeful learning with clear curriculum links.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Use spreadsheets to input data and apply simple formulas
• ✅ Practise using algorithms to solve financial problems
• ✅ Interpret spreadsheet data and make decisions based on calculations
• ✅ Apply mathematical reasoning in a real-world context

What’s Included

• Three differentiated worksheet versions (easy, moderate, advanced)
• Real-life scenario: planning a school movie night fundraiser
• Step-by-step instructions to set up a spreadsheet
• Problem-solving questions based on the spreadsheet setup
• Answer pages for each worksheet version

Materials Needed

• Digital device with spreadsheet software (e.g. Excel, Google Sheets)
• Printed worksheets for each student
• Pencils or pens for written responses
• Access to calculators or digital tools (optional for support students)

How to Use

1. Choose the most suitable version of the worksheet for each student or group.
2. Students read the scenario and follow the instructions to set up their spreadsheet.
3. They apply formulas (e.g. addition, multiplication, totals) to model costs and revenue.
4. Students solve problems based on their spreadsheet data and record answers.
5. Use the answer pages to self-check or facilitate peer review discussions.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as part of a digital technologies or financial literacy unit
• 💡 Ideal for maths rotations focused on data, money and operations
• 💡 Set up as a collaborative partner task for peer learning opportunities
• 💡 Include in your assessment folder as an evidence-based task

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Demonstrate formula use (e.g. =SUM) on an interactive whiteboard before students begin
• 💛 Encourage students to reflect on how spreadsheets help in real-life decision-making
• 💛 Use the activity as a launchpad for students to design their own fundraising event with a budget
• 💛 Reinforce tech skills by showing how to format cells and highlight totals

This spreadsheet-based activity is the perfect way to integrate mathematics, digital technologies and real-world thinking. Your students will love taking ownership of their learning as they simulate planning a school event while gaining valuable skills for life beyond the classroom!