At St Mary’s, Catholic Social Teaching is at the heart of our mission and helps us to live out the Gospel in our everyday lives. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, Catholic Social Teaching encourages us to recognise the dignity of every person, care for God’s creation and work together for the common good.

Through our Catholic Social Teaching themes, pupils learn that they are called to make a positive difference in the world around them. They develop an understanding of their responsibilities towards others, particularly those who are most vulnerable, and learn how their actions can contribute to building a more just and compassionate society.

These seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching underpin many aspects of school life:

These principles are explored through prayer, worship, charity work, fundraising, pupil leadership opportunities and our wider Catholic Life.

Catholic Social Teaching Across the Curriculum

Catholic Social Teaching is not only taught within Religious Education. We make meaningful links across the curriculum so that pupils can recognise how their learning helps them understand their role in God’s world.

For example:

• In Geography, pupils explore global communities, inequality, Fairtrade and environmental issues, helping them understand solidarity, human dignity and stewardship.

• In History, pupils learn about significant individuals and events that have shaped society, exploring themes such as justice, equality, democracy, human dignity and the dignity of work.

• In Science, pupils develop awe and wonder in God’s creation through the study of animals, habitats, plants, space and the human body, whilst learning about responsibility for health and the environment.

• In Art, Design Technology and Music, pupils explore creativity as a gift from God, learn about the contributions of artists, designers, inventors and musicians, and develop respect for different cultures and communities around the world.

The documents below show how Catholic Social Teaching is woven through each curriculum subject and provide examples of where pupils encounter these principles throughout their learning journey from KS1 to KS2.

CST – Art

CST – Design Technology

CST – Geography

CST – History

CST – Music

CST – Science

Living Catholic Social Teaching at St Mary’s

Catholic Social Teaching is not something that is taught. It is experienced through worship, parish life, service, charity work and everyday learning.

Our strong links with the parish communities of St Mary’s and Holy Spirit help pupils understand the importance of belonging to and contributing to a faith community. Through Masses, liturgies, parish celebrations and community events, children experience the principles of Family and Community and Solidarity and the Common Good in action, recognising that we are all called to support one another as members of God’s family.

Each class supports its own charity, helping pupils develop an understanding of the needs of others through prayer, fundraising and awareness-raising activities. Through supporting charities such as WWF, Wood Street Mission, Macmillan Cancer Support, CAFOD and The Wellspring, children learn about Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Solidarity and the Common Good and Stewardship of God’s Creation. They develop an understanding that they can use their gifts and talents to support people, animals and the environment both locally and globally.

Our commitment to local care homes, neighbours and community groups provides opportunities for children to show kindness, compassion and service through cards, letters, visits, performances and acts of support. These experiences help pupils understand Human Dignity by recognising the value of every person, whilst also strengthening Family and Community through meaningful relationships with those around us.

Participation in events such as the Marple Carnival, local Christmas celebrations and wider community activities enables pupils to contribute positively to community life and develop a sense of civic responsibility. These opportunities reinforce Rights and Responsibilities and Solidarity and the Common Good by helping children understand that everyone has a part to play in building strong, caring communities.

Through these experiences, alongside the many opportunities provided through our curriculum, pupils learn that Catholic Social Teaching is not simply something we learn about, but something we strive to live each day through our words, actions and relationships with others.