Catholic Social Teaching
Living the Gospel Through Love, Service and Justice
At English Martyrs’ RC Primary School, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) lies at the heart of our mission and shapes the way we live out the Gospel each day.
As part of the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP), we are committed to placing Christ at the centre of all we do, ensuring every child flourishes spiritually, morally and socially.
We believe that God has a plan for creation — a plan of love, peace and justice — and that each of us has a role in bringing this to life. At English Martyrs’, our children are encouraged to recognise that faith is not just something we learn, but something we live through our actions, choices and relationships.
Catholic Social Teaching Policy
Catholic Social Teaching Policy
What is Catholic Social Teaching?
We teach and live out the nine key principles of CST, helping our pupils to understand their role in building a better world:
1. Human Dignity
Every person is made in the image of God.
- We ensure every child feels valued, respected and included
- Our behaviour reflects kindness, forgiveness and compassion
🗣️ “We are all special because God made us — we should treat everyone kindly.”
2. The Common Good
We work together so everyone can flourish.
- Whole-school events, such as our summer fayre, raise funds to benefit all pupils
- Children understand that their contributions support the whole community
🗣️ “We help everyone in our school, not just ourselves.”
3. Solidarity
We are one global family.
- We support local charities and global causes
- Pupils learn to stand alongside others in friendship and support
🗣️ “We are all part of God’s family wherever we live.”
4. Preferential Option for the Poor
We are called to care for those most in need.
- Charity fundraising and donations (e.g. foodbanks, CAFOD appeals)
- Ensuring all children can access opportunities within school
🗣️ “It’s important to help people who don’t have as much as us.”
5. Participation
Everyone has a voice and a role to play.
- Pupils take part in leadership roles such as J@EMs, School Council and fundraising initiatives
- Children are encouraged to take responsibility and contribute to school life
🗣️ “We can make a difference by helping others.”
6. Stewardship (Care for Creation)
We are entrusted with caring for God’s world.
- Environmental learning across the curriculum
- Actions such as recycling, caring for school grounds and learning about sustainability
🗣️ “We need to look after the world God gave us.”
7. Distributive Justice
God’s gifts and resources should be shared fairly so that everyone can flourish.
- We ensure that all children have access to opportunities and support
- Fundraising, such as our summer fayre, helps provide resources for the benefit of all
- We support charities and causes that help those who are most in need
🗣️ “We share what we have so everyone has a fair chance.”
8. Subsidiarity
We are trusted to take responsibility and make decisions at the right level.
- Pupils are encouraged to take an active role in shaping school life
- Leadership opportunities (such as J@EMs and School Council) empower children to lead and make decisions
- Children are supported to take responsibility for their actions and contribute to their community
🗣️ “We can help make decisions and improve our school because our ideas matter.”
9. Peace
We are called to be peacemakers.
- Children learn conflict resolution, forgiveness and reconciliation
- Our school promotes harmony, respect and understanding
🗣️ “We can solve problems by talking and being kind.”
How We Teach CST
Catholic Social Teaching is woven through all aspects of school life, including:
- Religious Education (RE) – linking Gospel teachings to real-life action
- Collective Worship – prayer and reflection focused on justice and compassion
- PSHE and Wellbeing – exploring equality, fairness and respect
- Curriculum Links – learning about global issues, environment and society
- Daily Life – living out kindness, respect and responsibility
CST in Action at English Martyrs’
Our pupils put Catholic Social Teaching into practice through:
- Charity fundraising and community outreach
- Supporting local and global organisations
- Caring for the environment and school community
- Taking part in leadership roles
- Living out Gospel values in everyday actions
The Oscar Romero Award
We are proud to participate in the Oscar Romero Award, which recognises schools that actively embody Catholic Social Teaching. We are delighted that our commitment has been acknowledged through the achievement of this award.
Oscar Romero is a modern martyr who stood up for justice, peace and the poor. He was the archbishop of San Salvador in Central America. On 24 March 1980, in the chapel of the cancer hospital where he lived, he was shot dead at the altar by a death squad marksman as he was about to offer the bread and wine in the middle of Mass. He was canonised (recognised as a saint) on 14 October 2018 by Pope Francis in Rome, having been beatified on 23 May 2015. His life inspires us to:
- Speak out against injustice
- Show courage in standing up for what is right
- Serve others with love and compassion
Our journey with the award reflects our commitment to ensuring that faith at English Martyrs’ is active, visible and transformative.
Working with CAFOD
We value our partnership with CAFOD, which helps deepen our understanding of global justice and responsibility.
Through workshops and activities, our pupils have explored themes such as:
- Participation – recognising our role in the world
- Solidarity – standing with others
- Stewardship – caring for creation
These experiences help children understand how their actions can make a real difference.
CAFOD: Catholic Social Teaching (CST) Workshops
Lee Paris, who works for the charity 'CAFOD', was welcomed to our school. This visit helped us develop links with CAFOD and gave us ideas about how we can give, act and pray. He led Catholic Social Teaching (CST) workshops across the school and focused on the themes of Participation, Stewardship and Solidarity. Children discussed how we are all responsible for looking after our world.
Why Catholic Social Teaching Matters
Through CST, our children grow into:
- Compassionate and caring individuals
- Responsible and active citizens
- Confident young people who stand up for what is right
- Stewards of God’s creation
At English Martyrs’, we strive to ensure that our children do not just learn about faith — they live it with purpose, courage and love.