St Robert Southwell Catholic Primary School
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St Robert Southwell Catholic Primary School
St Robert Southwell Catholic Primary School

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching at St Robert Southwell

At St Robert Southwell Catholic Primary School, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is at the heart of who we are and all that we do. It flows directly from the Gospel and from the belief that God has a plan for creation: a plan to build his kingdom of peace, love and justice.

CST reminds us that God has a special plan for every single one of us. This vocation isn’t confined to “religious” times or “spiritual” things—it shapes every aspect of our lives, from how we pray, to how we learn, to how we live as responsible global citizens.

Our children are called to live out this vocation by recognising their responsibility to one another and to the world around them. At St Robert Southwell, Catholic Social Teaching underpins our curriculum, our prayer and liturgy, our policies and our daily life. Children learn that faith and action are inseparable: to follow Christ is to serve others.

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Through our curriculum, we teach and embed the seven key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, enabling children to put their faith into action.

1. Recognising the Dignity of All Life

- Everyone is Special

Every human being is made in the image and likeness of God. Each person is unique, infinitely loved and deserving of respect.

  • We teach children to value difference and diversity.
  • Respect, kindness and equality are modelled and expected in all relationships.
  • We raise awareness of human dignity through RE, PSHE and charity work.

2. Living in Solidarity

- We Belong to Each Other

Solidarity means recognising that we are one family under God.

  • We pray for others and stand alongside those in need.
  • Pupils learn about global and local issues of justice and are encouraged to respond.
  • We support charitable projects and CAFOD campaigns.

3. Working for the Common Good

- Building Community

The common good means that the gifts of creation are meant for everyone.

  • Pupils participate in parish and local community life.
  • We build links with other schools, charities and local groups.
  • Children are encouraged to serve and contribute to their communities.

4. Prioritising the Poor

- Option for the Vulnerable

God’s love is universal, but the Gospel calls us to give special care to the poor and vulnerable.

  • We fundraise for local, national and international charities.
  • Pupils learn to notice those in need and respond with generosity.
  • Initiatives such as food bank collections, Lenten fundraising and enterprise projects show faith in action.

5. Working for the Common Good

- Being Peacemakers

Christ is the Prince of Peace. We are called to reject conflict and build harmony.

  • We teach forgiveness, reconciliation and restorative practice.
  • Children are encouraged to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully.
  • We pray for peace and stand against injustice and violence.

6. Caring for Creation

- Stewardship of God’s World

God’s creation is a gift entrusted to us.

  • Pupils learn to make sustainable choices and to respect the natural world.
  • Our curriculum includes Laudato Si’ and environmental stewardship.
  • Eco-initiatives, recycling, and care for our grounds reflect our vocation to protect creation.

7. Acknowledging the Right to Work

- The Dignity of Work

Work is a participation in God’s creation and has dignity.

  • Pupils are taught to value effort, perseverance and responsibility.
  • We celebrate the gifts and talents of all members of our school.
  • Careers awareness, responsibility and teamwork are promoted from the earliest years.

Catholic Social Teaching in Action

  • Prayer and Liturgy: Every act of worship links CST to children’s lives today, helping them to connect scripture with service.
  • Curriculum Links: RE, humanities, science and PSHE provide opportunities to discuss justice, peace, human dignity and stewardship.
  • Practical Action: Fundraising, charity work, parish service and eco-projects help pupils to live CST values in daily life.
  • Catholic Life and Chaplaincy: Children lead initiatives that reflect CST, such as charity campaigns, sustainability projects and peer support.

Why It Matters

Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’ that we are all called to be “protectors of creation and of one another.” At St Robert Southwell, Catholic Social Teaching is not an “add-on”—it is the essence of how we live, learn and serve.

Our aim is for pupils to articulate the connection between faith and action, to recognise their responsibility to others, and to leave our school as compassionate, knowledgeable and principled young people who are ready to build a more just and peaceful world.