--- title: "Growing, Changing and Wondering: Exploring Life Cycles in Years 1 & 2" url: "https://st-joseph-s-catholic-academy-2.schudio.com/news/2026-01-26-growing-changing-and-wondering-exploring-life-cycles-in-years-1-2" school: "St Joseph’s Catholic Academy" --- **Tel:** 01642 360401 **Email:** office@stjosephsnorton.bhcet.org.uk # Growing, Changing and Wondering: Exploring Life Cycles in Years 1 & 2 ![St Joseph's Norton Life Cycles](https://files.schudio.com/st-joseph-s-catholic-academy-2/images/news/622283359_1431100652139408_4854612701917498913_n.jpg) 26 January 2026 Our Year 1 and 2 pupils at **St Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Norton** have been busy exploring the fascinating world of animal life cycles — and their enthusiasm for science has been incredible! The children have been learning how different animals grow, develop and change appearance over time, looking closely at well‑known examples like **butterflies** and **chicks**. From tiny eggs to crawling caterpillars, from fluffy hatchlings to fully grown animals, the pupils have shown an excellent understanding of how living things change as they move through each stage of life. Early science learning is so important for young children. It nurtures curiosity, encourages them to ask questions, and helps them make sense of the world around them. By introducing scientific concepts at a young age, we empower children to think critically, make predictions, observe closely and explain their ideas — skills that will support them across every area of learning. Exploring life cycles is also a wonderful way to develop awe and wonder. Watching the transformation of a butterfly, or learning how a chick grows inside its egg, helps children appreciate the beauty of nature and the miracle of life. It sparks excitement, builds confidence, and encourages them to become enthusiastic young scientists. We are so proud of the knowledge and understanding Year 1 and 2 have shown — keep asking questions and exploring the world with curiosity! [Learning](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-academy-2.schudio.com/news/tag/learning) [ Shadows, Science and Super Teamwork in Years 3 & 4!](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-academy-2.schudio.com/news/2026-01-22-shadows-science-and-super-teamwork-in-years-3-4) [Ahoy, Mateys! A Sports Adventure for Class 4 ](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-academy-2.schudio.com/news/2026-02-02-ahoy-mateys-a-sports-adventure-for-class-4) ![St Joseph’s Catholic Academy](https://files.schudio.com/st-joseph-s-catholic-academy-2/images/logo/Bishop_Hogarth_and_Hexham_Logo_new_(1).png) ### St Joseph’s Catholic Academy Ragworth Road Norton Stockton on Tees TS20 1HR 01642 360401 - [Office 365](https://outlook.office365.com/carmel.org.uk) - [Parents Evening System](https://stjosephsrcnorton.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/) - [Accelerated Reader](https://www.myon.co.uk/login/index.html) - [Teams FAQs](https://bhcet.org.uk/information/teams-faqs/) - [Remote Learning](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-academy-2.schudio.com/information/remote-learning) - [Online Payments](https://www.mychildatschool.com/MCAS/MCSParentLogin) - [Remote Learning](https://remote.carmel.org.uk/) - [Liturgy](https://liturgy.bhcet.org.uk/) - [Year 6 Transition Curriculum](https://bhcet.org.uk/year6transitioncurriculum/) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stjosephsnorton/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/stjosephscatholicacademy/) ### Translation ### Office 365 [Sign in to Office 365](https://outlook.office.com/) © Copyright 2025–2026 St Joseph’s Catholic Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-academy-2.schudio.com/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)