This History scheme of work video supports teachers in introducing and developing pupils’ understanding of the concepts of cause and consequence. It explains that causes are the reasons leading up to an event — which may be people, events, or conditions — and that consequences are the direct results of that event. Examples, such as the melting of an ice cream on a hot day, are used to make the concepts accessible and relatable for pupils.

The video outlines the difference between short-term and long-term causes, as well as the need to avoid assuming that just because something happened before an event, it caused it. Similarly, consequences can be short or long term, can trigger further events, and may have a wide-ranging impact on people and places. Teachers are encouraged to ensure pupils have secure knowledge of the event itself — including its name, timing, and key details before analysing causes and consequences. Strategies for developing analytical thinking are shared, such as arranging and categorising causes, evaluating responsibility, and using diagrams like Venn diagrams to sort and compare factors.

This video is part of Kapow Primary designed to build pupils’ ability to think critically about why events happened and their lasting effects.

• History, Year 3, Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain?
• History, Year 4, Who were the Anglo-Saxons and the Scots?
• History, Year 6, How did the Battle of Britain affect the Royal Air Force?