National Curriculum Objectives - Seasonal Change - Year 1

In accordance with the National Curriculum for Science in Year 1, pupils are expected to engage with the natural world by observing the cyclical patterns that define the four seasons. They should be taught to recognise and describe the changes that each season brings, from the budding leaves of spring to the snowfall of winter. This includes not only identifying the visual transformations in the environment around them but also understanding the typical weather patterns that characterise each season. Pupils will also explore how the length of daylight varies throughout the year, noticing the longer days of summer and shorter days of winter, thus connecting their observations to the Earth's rotation and orbit around the sun.

Through their studies, Year 1 pupils will develop substantive knowledge about seasonal changes. They will learn to name the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and associate specific weather conditions with each one, such as the warmth of summer or the chill of winter. This foundational understanding of the seasons will enable them to make informed observations about the world around them, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of nature and the passage of time as marked by seasonal transitions.