Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is fundamental to the mission and identity of St Gregory’s as a Catholic school. It provides a Gospel-centred framework that guides how we educate, form and support our students, helping them to understand their responsibility to care for others and to work for justice, peace and the common good. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, Catholic Social Teaching encourages students to recognise the dignity of every person and to live out their faith through action, reflecting our commitment to live Pro Deo — “For God”.

Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that the principles of Catholic Social Teaching are promoted across all subject areas. While these principles are explicitly explored in Religious Education, they are also embedded throughout the wider curriculum. For example, students explore themes of peace and reconciliation in History, healthy lifestyles and respect for the body in Science and Physical Education, and appropriate, healthy and safe relationships in PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Embedding Catholic Social Teaching across the curriculum ensures that students recognise these values as integral to all aspects of life, rather than limited to one subject, and supports them in applying Gospel values consistently and meaningfully.

Catholic Social Teaching is also promoted through weekly reflections and prayers during form time worship. These dedicated opportunities allow students to reflect prayerfully on how the principles of Catholic Social Teaching relate to their own lives and the world around them. Each half term, the school focuses on a different principle, ensuring that all key teachings are explored and revisited throughout the year. This structured approach supports students in developing a deeper understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and encourages them to respond thoughtfully and compassionately through prayer and action.

At St Gregory’s, we believe it is essential that students are given opportunities to put Catholic Social Teaching into action by engaging in activities that support both local and global communities. Students are encouraged to care for the environment through initiatives such as campaigns promoting the use of public transport and walking to school, as well as participating in litter picks in our local park. These activities reflect the principle of Care for Creation and help students to understand their responsibility as stewards of God’s world.

Our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching is further demonstrated through our active support of a range of charities throughout the year. Students and staff support organisations such as Mary’s Meals and CAFOD, helping those in need overseas, as well as local charities including the Catholic Children’s Society and our own school food bank, The St Greg’s Pantry, which supports families within our community. These charitable initiatives reflect the principles of Human Dignity and the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, encouraging students to respond generously and compassionately to those most in need.

Through curriculum planning, prayer, charitable action and community engagement, St Gregory’s ensures that Catholic Social Teaching is not only taught, but lived. By forming students who are informed, compassionate and active in their response to injustice, we seek to nurture young people who are committed to making a positive difference in the world, guided by Gospel values and their faith.