Catholic Social Teaching
The Catholic Church has a history of social teaching that goes back centuries and provides a compelling challenge for living responsibly and building a just society. Catholic Social Teaching has evolved over time in response to the challenges of the day. The principles of Catholic Social Teaching underpin all we do at our school.
Catholic Social Teaching is used in many subjects including history, geography and English, it is not taught just in RE. Many of our assemblies and extra-curricular activities feature Catholic Social Teaching where we discuss world events and how our faith challenges us to respond in a particular way.
We teach all of our children to be thoughtful about, and challenging of, the world's organisations and communities - how we must work together to build a better world for the future.
Human Dignity: This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. ‘What makes me special?’ ‘What makes people special? ‘How should we treat each other?’ Opportunities for all to develop a relationship with God and to practise Jesus’ teachings.
Family and Community: The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economics and politics, in law and policy directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially poor and vulnerable people. Outstanding education for all pupils regardless of their background.
Rights and Responsibilities: The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Expose all individuals to the best of the best in every aspect of their role as leader/teacher/learner!
Preferential Option for the Poor: A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition instructs us to put the needs of poor and vulnerable people first. Work in an environment in which people feel safe, seen, heard and respected.
Promoting Peace and The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers: The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected—the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. CPD for all staff to ensure they become the best version of themselves. The very best learning opportunities for our pupils. Have high expectations of everybody and value them at all times.
Solidarity and the common good: We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbour has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.” The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. Outstanding education for all pupils regardless of their background.
Stewardship and Care for God’s Creation: We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is a requirement of the Catholic faith. How do I show respect for Creation? The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation. We are called to respect this gift. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us. Leaders who are relentlessly positive. Strong courageous leadership habits within every leader; be bold, be brave!