Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is based on the belief that God has a plan for creation, a plan to build his kingdom of peace, love and justice.

It holds that God has a special plan for every single one of us, whoever we are. Our part in this plan isn’t just limited to things ‘spiritual’, or times when we do “religious things.” It involves every aspect of our lives, from the things we pray about, to how we live as a responsible global citizen.

Our part in this story is a kind-of vocation for the common good, a call to treat everyone as our brothers and sisters. It is something that we all share.

The Catholic Church has seven principles of social teaching that we share with our young people through all that we do, through the curriculum, special events and activity and through our ordinary actions in school.

At St Thomas More Secondary School, Catholic Social Teaching is incorporated into our curriculum. Young people are asked to put their faith into action and reflect on how their learning enables them to do so. Continuous Professional Learning for staff has contributes to an owned sense of Catholic Social Teaching.

Catholic Social Teaching underpins the essence of our daily school life. As members of the Catholic Church, we are all called upon to preserve the dignity of all human beings, to care for creation, and to reach out to our sisters and brothers in need. Pope Francis emphasises that it is our duty to work together to bring about a more just and peaceful world: to put love into action.


Dignity of the Human Person Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from conception until the end of their natural life on earth. Therefore it is essential that every institution’s worth is assessed in how it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
Family and the Community The human person is not only sacred, but social. How society is organised be it socially, economically, legally or politically has a direct impact on the dignity and growth of every human person and community. Marriage and family should be supported and strengthened. Every person has the right to work to support their families as well as the building up of the common good of all.
Solidarity and the Common Good. We are all the people of God, one family. Therefore what happens to one has an impact on all, locally, nationally and globally. At the heart of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Our love for all calls to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods need for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally. The dignity of every person is respected.
Dignity of Work Work is a way in which we can participate in God’s creation. Work gives dignity to life and must be carried out in such a way that the basic rights of workers are respected. Everyone has the right to productive work, to fair and liveable wages, and to organise and join a union. The economy must be conducted so that it serves the needs of the people – it is a means to an end, not the end goal.
Rights and Responsibilities Every person has a fundamental right to life. It is this right that makes all other rights possible. Everyone has the right to food, healthcare, housing, education and employment. We all need to survive to secure and respect these rights for others both locally and globally.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. Society is judged on how it cares for and stands with the poor and vulnerable – our brothers and sisters. We read in scripture how God has a special concern for the oppressed, poor, vulnerable and those forced to the margins of society. The Church calls us to respond to the cry of the poor and to put their needs first. This preferential option for the poor and vulnerable must be seen in action in our daily lives and government policies.
Stewardship The world that God created has been entrusted to everyone and we are responsible and accountable to God as stewards of the earth. The world has been given to us as a gift. To enjoy and care for so that future generations can enjoy it too. It is in caring for creation that we show our love and respect for its Creator

Catholic Social Teaching Mapped Against the Curriculum at St Thomas More Secondary School

The Dignity of the Human Person

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Religious Education Genesis 1:26-27 Imago Dei discussed as a core principle within the curriculum across all key stages, human rights, sanctity of life. Underpins everything

Maths There are at least two related ideas behind “Social Justice Maths”. The first is that you can use mathematics to teach and learn about issues of social and economic justice. The second is that you can learn maths through the study of social justice issues – the development of mathematical literacy itself being an incredibly important social justice issue.

English ‘Wonder’ text explored with pupils, discussion around physical appearance and the truth that we are all made in the image of God.

Science Stem cell research discussion, embryo experiments, human dignity – life science.

Geography Life expectancy against geographical location – socio economic development. Respect for individuals.

History World war discussion – /issues of conflict. The response to historical events in the light of the dignity of the individual

Computing The right for information to be shared for all – Countries in control of the internet.

Freedom of information act

Right for personal data to be protected GDPR (all years) Encryption (year 8 and KS4)

Staying safe online

Food Tech Different cultures are explored as part of the design process when generated ideas for projects in Year 7-11, ingredients, sources, food provenance discussed.

DT Research used to view design ideas so that the voices of innovation are heard

MFL Discussions about how all people, no matter what their nationality, are equal in the eyes of God and we should be compassionate towards all people.

PE The importance of opportunity to exercise against nutritional needs – socio economic issues.

Family and Community

Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” Matt 12:48

RE Exploration of different types of family. Reflection on different communities as well as the support offered by Church community. The impact on communities of decision making

Maths Credit cards, managing debt, percentages and distribution of wealth, Saving/budgeting money, opening bank accounts, High-cost loans. Exploration of ratio and comparisons

English Poetry and different written genres from different cultures. The family as a context for characterisations in novels. An understanding of community and cultural context in written English

Science Ethical decision making in the understanding of infertility issues. Scientists from different countries who have shaped our world.

Geography Issues to do with urbanisation and the impact of progress on indigenous populations. The impact of global trends on community. Population debates.

History Reflection on the World Wars and the impact of these on communities and families. Concepts of dictatorship and the ripple effects for those who are powerless. Migration and changes in land ownership

Computing Safer Internet use and the role of parents in safeguarding their children. The use of the internet to reach out to communities and to be able to communicate and compare.

Food Tech Budgeting and ensuring the ethical distribution of food in families.

DT Creativity and expression in families/communities and globally

MFL The ability to hone communication skills so that differences can be negotiated.

The ability to communicate in a diverse way and to increase individual confidence.

PE Health and development to promote wellness. Development of competition and performance to identify and celebrate excellence.

Solidarity and the Common Good

If anyone has material possessions and ignores his brother in need, how can he love God? 1 John 3:17

RE An understanding that morality is not something private but, it has corporate implications. Understanding what support looks like in a Catholic Community. Seeing justice and peace as a foundation of faith

Maths Fractions/percentages and distribution as a platform to look at fairness. Recognition of problem solving together in groups to look at the need to negotiate and listen to others for the common good.

English Novels /extracts which consider the benefits of working together. Understanding genuinely good characters and what they have to offer. How adversity often brings out the best in people.

Science The idea of the world as an ecosystem which is all inter-related and working for the common good. An understanding of trends and the consideration of personal and corporate responsibility to protect the planet for all to enjoy.

History Considerations on war and the outcomes which have led to human flourishing and to disaster and the place of leaders in these outcomes.

Geography Climate change and the responsibility of all for the common good.

Computing Access to the internet as a human right?

Socio-economic status as a barrier to technology

Food Tech Fair trade and ethical use of labour to grow and prepare food.

DT The use of labourers to produce goods necessary for fashion / design and their ethical treatment.

MFL The ability of language to communicate and to build empathy across our world.

PE An understanding of working as a team and what can be accomplished.

Dignity of Work

Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. Ecclesiastes 3:13

Religious Education The dignity of human life, human rights and social justice, censorship, freedom of religious expression.

Maths Problem solving, collaboration and challenge in Maths activities. Also the sense of following a process through to the end and the use of Maths in the workplace.

English Equality and diversity discussions. Use of persuasive writing in order to raise an issue. Writing letters and an understanding of writing within work such as journalism or reporting.

Science Respect for Scientists who by their work life for people has improved. The practise of key skills for scientific investigation to include accuracy. Exposure to different work contexts within the different Science subjects.

Geography Human Geography and the reasons for immigration to do with economics.

History Peasants’ Revolt (aligned curriculum), Industrial Revolution – working conditions, Year Development of Rights – the effects of the world wards on the employment of women

Computing Employment Law Data protection rights

Food Tech Fairtrade products. Safety for workers in the catering trade.

DT Costings of products analysed, prophet against wages discussed.

MFL Importance of working to achieve a GCSE in an MFL and how the study of French builds a person’s general literacy and work ethic. Fairtrade products in ‘Food and drink’ topic.

PE Health and fitness in relation to wellbeing/looking at balance in life. Reflections on working towards fitness including effort and motivation

Rights and Responsibilities

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Maths Fractions/percentages and distribution as a platform to look at fairness. Recognition of problem solving together in groups to look at the need to negotiate and listen to others.

English Consideration of texts where morality and human responsibility play a part so that conscience is recognised and so that the rights and responsibilities of individuals are thought about.

Science Ethical decision making when decisions are made with limited resources.

The use of the world’s mineral resources and the need to consider the responsibility to workers and to nations

History The exercising of responsibility across the world in history and consideration of power and how this is used. Does it support Human Rights?

Geography Human trafficking and modern slavery, the effects of injustice on migration of vulnerable people and an understanding of their rights.

Computing Responsible use of data/privacy

Food Tech Responsibility with the sources of food.

DT Responsibility with products used in the design process.

MFL Understanding different cultures to understand rights and responsibility.

PE Being part of a team and the responsibility for others.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

The spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has sent me to give the good news to the poor Luke 4:18

Maths Fractions/percentages and distribution as a platform to look at fairness. Recognition of problem solving together in groups to look at the need to negotiate and listen to others.

English Context within a novel/poem so that economic factors or impoverishment are considered.

Science A consideration of the impact on science particularly in biology on health and diseases and the consequences of these on human flourishing.

History The impact of historical events on health and wellbeing. Past situations of the unequal distribution of wealth.

Geography Human Geography and the stories of economic migration

Computing Equity in the use and distribution of technology/ impact of covid on education.

Food Tech Unequal food distribution and malnutrition. Consideration of low cost menus

DT Provision of materials in DT. The impact of poverty on the design process internationally.

MFL Political situations in countries where the key languages are taught so that there is consideration of equal distribution of wealth.

PE Health and fitness for all on a budget.

Stewardship

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15

Religious Education Stewardship, Genesis, the role of the trinity in creation, afterlife, heaven and hell, sin, original sin, salvation

Maths Statistics strand of mathematics – collecting and representing data, and then interpreting to make conclusions, all of which are used in the decisions taken around conservation/recycling and global responses to climate change.

English The development of a vocabulary to share the beautiful world around us through expression in poetry and prose.

Science Natural sciences give a sense of awe and wonder when the systems at work in the development of a person and the animal kingdom can be understood.

Geography Child labour, issues around the environment, squatter settlements, social segregation, resource management.

History Reflection on how the passage of time and human consumption has led to the shaping of our future.

Computing Recycling of batteries, computers, renewable energy.

Impact of technology on the environment (KS4)

Catering Food provenance, carbon footprint, sourcing ingredients.

DT Recyclable material involved in research tasks, sustainability discussed when designing and making products – all key stages.

MFL Awareness of issues to do with the environment in other countries and the sense of a global responsibility.

PE Outdoor activities as part of the health benefits. The responsibility for open spaces to exercise.

St Thomas More
Catholic Secondary School