This History 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 the reliability of their information. Real examples are included, such as speeches, diary entries, artefacts and websites.

Pupils are also reminded that while sources offer valuable clues, they do not always give a complete picture of the past; it’s up to historians to piece together stories using what is available.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History skills videos, helping pupils develop key enquiry and interpretation skills.

See more of our Key stage 2 History scheme of work.

• History, Year 3, British history 2: Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain?, Lesson 3: How did Britons respond to the Roman invasion?
• History, Year 3, What was important to ancient Egyptians?, Lesson 1: Where and when did the first civilisations appear?
• History, Year 5, British history 5: What was life like in Tudor England?, Lesson 3: Why was Anne Boleyn executed?
• History, Year 6, What can the census tell us about local areas?, Lesson 2: What can we learn about Victorian children from the census?
• History, Year 6, What was the impact of World War 2 on the people of Britain?, Lesson 3: What do sources tell us about the Blitz?