KS4 Esafety SOW linked to PHSE framework

KS4 Digital Literacy Scheme of Learning – 6 Lessons + Student Workbook

A complete, ready-to-teach 6-lesson digital literacy unit for PSHE or Computer Science (Years 10–11), building the critical thinking students need to navigate identity, relationships, misinformation and risk online as they approach adulthood. Includes an accompanying student workbook.
Each 60-minute lesson follows a consistent structure so it’s easy to deliver straight from the resource: retrieval starter → tiered learning objectives (Bronze–Platinum) → teacher input → Think-Pair-Share → reading activity with tiered comprehension → knowledge check → case study → GCSE-style extended writing with an annotated model answer → discussion → exit ticket → tiered homework.

Lessons included:

1. Online Identity, Image and Self-Worth (digital footprint & reputation management)
2. Algorithms, Data and Personalisation (idealised images, conformity & mental health)
3. Misinformation, AI and Digital Manipulation (deepfakes & source evaluation)
4. Online Relationships, Consent and Image Sharing (the law, coercion & sexting risks)
5. Online Harms: Pornography and Behaviour (unrealistic expectations, objectification & where to get support)
6. Scams, Exploitation and Online Risk (sextortion, identity theft & reporting routes)

What’s included:
• 6 full lesson plans with tiered (Bronze–Platinum) learning objectives
• Student workbook covering all 6 lessons
• A named reading/case-study pair for each lesson (e.g. Aisha’s Story, Ryan’s Story)
• Activity resources: sorting tasks, “Reliable or Not?”, “Fact or Myth?” and response activities
• Annotated model answers for GCSE-style extended writing
• Memorable safety frameworks (e.g. PAUSE–VERIFY–DISCUSS–REFLECT, DETOX–REFLECT–CURATE–BE AUTHENTIC)
• SEND word bank support cards
• Tiered homework (All Students / Silver+ / Gold–Platinum) set via MS Teams
• End-of-unit assessment with Bronze–Platinum success criteria ladder
• Key Tier 2/3 vocabulary, threshold concepts, common misconceptions addressed, and careers links (Cyber Security Specialist, AI Ethics Researcher, Family Solicitor, and more)

Perfect for:
PSHE leads or Computer Science teachers delivering statutory RSE/online safety content at KS4, with mature, age-appropriate coverage of consent, misinformation and online exploitation, and built-in differentiation for mixed-ability classes.

Note: Lesson 5 covers the impact of pornography on relationships and expectations, in line with statutory RSE guidance for this age group — teachers should check this against their own school’s RSE policy before delivery.