modelling with spreadsheets
This page is mainly about 3.7_modelling_with_spreadsheets
Module introduction
Have you ever wondered how businesses predict their profits, or how you could plan a budget to save up for something you really want? It’s not magic; it’s the power of modelling! In this module, you'll go beyond basic sums and transform spreadsheets into powerful tools for asking "what-if" questions about the future. This journey will take you from the basics of organising data to being able to confidently build your own financial models to make predictions and smart decisions. By the end of this module, you will have the power to turn rows of numbers into real-world insights.
Why does this module matter?
The ability to model situations and analyse data is one of the most valuable skills in any field. It's how we forecast weather, plan projects, and understand complex problems. Learning to use spreadsheets effectively moves you from being a simple user of technology to a powerful creator who can make sense of the world through data.
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For you
This module will help you develop several key computing personas:
The Modeller: You will become a Modeller by learning to create simplified representations of real-world situations, like a school tuck shop or a personal budget, to make predictions and answer complex "what-if" questions.
The Analyst: This module strengthens your Analyst persona by teaching you to translate a real-world need into a structured spreadsheet. You'll learn to interpret data, identify patterns, and present your findings clearly.
The Problem Solver: You will act as a Problem Solver by using spreadsheet models as a tool to tackle challenges. You'll move from understanding a problem to implementing a logical, data-driven solution that can be tested and evaluated.
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For your future
The skills you learn in this module are the starting point for many exciting and in-demand careers. One of the most direct pathways is to become a Financial Analyst.
Career focus: Financial Analysts guide businesses and individuals in making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments by modelling financial data, identifying trends, and making forecasts.
Key Skills: This role requires deep expertise in spreadsheet software for financial modelling, data analysis, and creating charts to visualise financial data. Strong analytical thinking and the ability to interpret complex data to make predictions are essential.
Interesting facts: The global financial services market is worth trillions of pounds. Financial Analysts play a key role in this, and many go on to become portfolio managers who are responsible for multi-million-pound investment funds.
Our Learning Journey
Our journey will begin by exploring what a computational model is and why it's such a powerful tool. We'll then get hands-on, building a financial model for a school tuck shop from the ground up. Along the way, you’ll master essential spreadsheet skills like using formulas, understanding the crucial difference between relative and absolute cell references, and applying conditional formatting to bring your data to life. Finally, you will apply everything you've learned to design and build your very own personal budget model, giving you a powerful tool for your own life.
Last modified: July 21st, 2025
