This History teacher video explores how children develop the skills to work with historical sources and evidence. It explains how pupils across Key Stages 1 and 2 learn to identify, examine, and interpret a wide range of sources—including written, visual, and material items—to build their understanding of the past. The video distinguishes between primary and secondary sources, highlighting how each can provide valuable insights when carefully analysed. It also explains how even biased sources are useful, as they offer a perspective from the time.

The video supports teachers in helping pupils use sources for historical inquiry—extracting evidence, making interpretations, and forming their own versions of past events. It also shows how different interpretations of the same source are to be expected and encouraged, using practical examples like portraits of Henry VIII. The Kapow Primary scheme builds these inquiry skills gradually, supporting children to develop more complex historical thinking as they progress.