This History scheme of work video equips teachers with strategies to help pupils use historical sources to investigate the past. It defines what sources are: written, visual, oral or physical, and explains how they become meaningful evidence when used to support historical claims.
Teachers are guided on how to introduce source-based enquiry from Reception through to Year 6. Early examples include handling objects from living memory and comparing visual materials, while older pupils can work with maps, census data or archaeological finds. The video encourages progression by developing questioning skills and providing historical context so pupils can make sense of what they’re studying.
This History scheme of work video introduces pupils to the concept of historical sources: the materials we use to find out about the past. From physical objects and written documents to audio recordings and digital content, pupils learn to explore and question a wide range of source types.
The video explains the difference between primary sources (created at the time of an event) and secondary sources (created after the event, often by people who weren’t there). Pupils are encouraged to think critically about the origins of sources, their creators, and their reliability. Real examples are included, such as speeches, diary entries, artefacts and websites.
This History video introduces teachers to the key facts and context behind the evacuation of children during the Second World War. It explains who was evacuated, when and why, and explores the emotional and social impact of leaving home for the countryside. The video outlines how British civilians were affected by the threat of bombing, how evacuation was organised by the government, and what children experienced in their new rural homes. It uses real examples to show the wide range of experiences – both positive and negative – felt by evacuees and host families.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History scheme of work – War. It supports teachers in delivering lessons on life in Britain during World War II. It helps teachers feel confident in explaining the purpose, challenges, and legacy of wartime evacuation, offering historical context, first-hand accounts and classroom strategies. Teachers are encouraged to support children in developing empathy, critical thinking, and historical enquiry through discussion of real-life experiences and evidence from the time.
This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow History scheme of work. It explores the stories of Lily Parr and Betty Snowball, two pioneering women in sport during the 1900s. Lily Parr was a talented footballer who began playing for the famous Dick, Kerr Ladies team before she was 16. She scored around 1,000 goals in her career and played matches in front of huge crowds, raising money for charity. Despite women being banned from playing football on official pitches in 1921, Lily and her teammates continued playing and even toured the United States.
Betty Snowball was another incredible sportswoman. Born in 1908, she played cricket for England and also represented Scotland in squash and lacrosse. She played in the first women’s cricket test match and once scored 189 runs in a single game, a record that lasted 50 years. After retiring, she became a teacher. Both Lily and Betty helped break barriers for women in sport, showing determination, talent and resilience, and inspiring future generations of female athletes.
This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow History scheme of work. It introduces the story of William Tuke, a man from York who wanted to improve the way people with mental health needs were cared for. In the 1700s, people in hospitals were often treated very badly, but William Tuke believed everyone should be treated kindly and fairly. He raised money to open a special hospital called The Retreat, where patients had better food, clean living spaces, and were allowed visits from their families.
William was a Quaker, a type of Christian who believes all people have equal worth. His new approach became known as moral treatment, and it helped many people recover. His son and grandson continued his work and told others about the better way to care for people. William Tuke also opened schools and spoke out against slavery. Thanks to his work, The Retreat still helps people today, showing how one person’s kindness can make a lasting difference.
This History video introduces teachers to the significance of philanthropist William Tuke and his pioneering role in improving mental health care in the eighteenth century. It explains the poor conditions in early mental health hospitals, known then as asylums, and highlights how Tuke’s Quaker beliefs inspired a more compassionate approach to care. The video outlines how his founding of The Retreat in York offered improved conditions for patients, including good food, access to nature, and family visits.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History scheme – England. It supports teachers in exploring changing attitudes towards mental health and introduces the concept of moral treatment. It also includes guidance on addressing sensitive issues appropriately in the classroom, helping teachers feel prepared to approach this topic with care.
This History video introduces teachers to the concept of historical significance and how to support pupils in recognising why certain individuals and events are studied. It explores how historians make decisions about who and what is important in the past and why these choices may change over time. Using the stories of Ellen Wilkinson and Betty Boothroyd, the video models how pupils can begin to explore significance through criteria like contribution, legacy and representation, supporting analytical thinking at primary level.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History scheme – England. It supports teachers in confidently addressing the idea of significance through engaging case studies, helping children consider whose stories are told and why. It also offers guidance on handling sensitive or emotive topics with care and balance in the classroom.
This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow History scheme of work. It introduces pupils to two inspirational British women, Ellen Wilkinson and Betty Boothroyd, who both worked in politics to help improve people’s lives. The video explores how Ellen Wilkinson became involved in the suffragette movement and later became an MP, while Betty Boothroyd began as a dancer and eventually made history as the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons.
Their stories show how determination and a desire to make a difference led them to important roles in government. Ellen Wilkinson fought for education and women’s rights, while Betty Boothroyd ensured fairness and order in Parliament. Both women challenged expectations and helped shape a more equal society, leaving a legacy that still matters today.
This History video introduces teachers to the Kapow Banknote Challenge, which invites pupils to investigate lesser-known historical figures and their contributions to life in Britain. It supports children in exploring how people from different backgrounds have shaped society through innovation, leadership, and values. The unit provides opportunities to develop historical skills while encouraging reflection on fairness, representation, and change over time.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History scheme – figures. It designed to help teachers manage sensitive topics with confidence and impartiality. It outlines how to prepare for discussions, challenge stereotypes, and support pupils in examining different perspectives in a respectful and meaningful way. The challenge follows the Bank of England’s banknote selection process and can be tailored to include local or relevant figures, offering an engaging and thought-provoking inquiry into historical significance.
