DF2 Scheme of work: Digital Forensics & Cyber Intelligence - Digital Deception. Year 8 (6 Lessons)

Teach students to think like digital investigators

A complete 6-lesson KS3 Digital Forensics & Cyber Intelligence scheme that trains students to detect manipulation, trace deception, and question what they see online - through forensic analysis and hands-on investigation.

Perfect for:

• Non-specialist teachers with structured support throughout

• Curriculum and subject leaders targeting inspection-readiness

• High-ability Year 8 classes - fully supported for mixed-ability teaching

• Classrooms with no coding or tech requirements

• Departments focused on digital literacy, ethics, and real-world critical thinking

Why this matters

Digital content is easy to share - but hard to trust. From influencer edits to AI-generated misinformation, students are surrounded by content that looks real but isn’t.
This scheme teaches them to question it - and prove it.

Through structured simulations, metadata analysis, and ethical investigation, learners go beyond surface-level safety advice into real digital forensics - learning to trace, justify, and challenge what they see online.

🔍 This is forensic computing for the misinformation age - hands-on, analytical, and ready to teach.

Lesson structure & progression

Each lesson builds key cyber intelligence skills - from deception detection to risk analysis and ethical debate.

Lesson titles and focus:

1. Digital Illusions – The Trust Trap
   Spot suspicious online artefacts using visual, text-based, and metadata clues.

2. Tracking the Source – Tracing the Path of Misinformation
   Reconstruct a digital rumour timeline and analyse how misinformation spreads.

3. Detecting the Data Leak – Spotting Hidden Transfers
   Use a breach simulation and risk-scoring grid to detect a data leak in progress.

4. Secure Authentication Protocols – Building Smarter Barriers
   Build and test multi-factor login systems using an interactive attack-flow simulation.

5. Cyber Ethics Court – The Influencer Fake Sponsorship Scandal
   Lead a courtroom-style investigation into online influence and digital responsibility.

6. Truth in the Headlines – When Public Trust Breaks
   Forensically analyse and rewrite misleading headlines using real-world manipulation cases.

What you get

Everything is included, ready for delivery:

• 6 inspection-ready lesson plans (fully structured)
• PowerPoints with scripted teacher notes
• Offline simulations (no software or logins needed)
• Printable student activities with model answers
• Key vocabulary banks and editable templates
• Built-in SEND adaptations with classroom guidance
• Optional cover lesson format for any session
• Full Scheme Inspection Report (intent, implementation, impact)

Built-in for inspection – without extra workload

Every DF2 scheme includes a full inspection readiness report:

• Curriculum Intent – Clearly sequenced, ambitious, accessible, and age-relevant

• Implementation – Teaching model, resource structure, and delivery tools

• Impact – Evidence of reasoning, retention, and student outcomes

• Inclusion & Accessibility – Scaffolded tasks, cultural links, and classroom equity strategies

Gives subject leaders clear documentation to demonstrate high-quality digital literacy provision.

Why this scheme works

High engagement
Students detect fake content, trace sources, question trust, and debate responsibility.

Teacher-ready
Resources are fully structured, scaffolded, and ready to teach — ideal for any classroom.

Inspection-proof
Includes everything needed for SEND access, assessment evidence, and measurable progression.

Future-facing
Builds critical thinking, media awareness, and forensic logic — essential in an AI-shaped digital world.