In this History video, teachers are introduced to the skills needed to help Key stage 2 children understand historical interpretation as a key disciplinary concept.

The video examines how various individuals, including historians, approach the past in distinct ways, influenced by evidence, perspective and bias. Teachers are guided to support the children in forming their own interpretations, understanding others’ viewpoints and analysing why interpretations can differ. Practical strategies help the children justify their ideas using evidence and recognise the complexity of historical understanding. The video enables teachers to confidently guide children in thinking critically, comparing perspectives and developing informed interpretations, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation of how history is constructed.

This teacher video is part of Kapow Primary’s History skills videos, designed to build teachers’ confidence and skills in supporting the children to explore and evaluate historical interpretations.