St Mary's Catholic Primary School

Our Catholic Faith

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, our Catholic faith is the foundation of everything we do. As a voluntary aided school, we are committed to providing high-quality religious education and daily collective worship in accordance with the teachings, doctrines, and liturgical norms of the Catholic Church. Our faith is visible in the way we treat one another, in the prayers we share, and in the values we live by—love, respect, forgiveness, and compassion. Parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from religious education or worship, though we encourage all families to experience the richness of our faith community.

We believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach children to recognise God’s love through scripture, prayer, and the sacraments. Pupils learn about the life of Jesus, the meaning of grace, and the importance of making good choices guided by the Holy Spirit. Through the Church Year, we celebrate key moments in Jesus’ life and honour Mary, the saints, and the traditions of our Church. Children are taught to pray in many ways—using spontaneous prayer, traditional prayers, and gestures of reverence such as genuflecting, bowing, and making the Sign of the Cross.

As members of one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, we help children understand their role as disciples of Christ. They learn to be good stewards of God’s creation, to live out the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, and to build loving relationships rooted in trust and kindness. We explore the sacraments, especially Baptism, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist, and teach the significance of Holy Communion. Families are recognised as the “domestic church,” where faith begins and grows. Through our parish connection with Father Michael and the wider Church, we nurture a vibrant, inclusive community where all are welcome—Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

✝️ Catholic Social Teaching and Its Impact on Our Pupils

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is not just a subject—it is a way of life. It underpins our ethos, shapes our curriculum, and guides our relationships with one another and the wider world. Rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church, CST helps our pupils understand how their faith calls them to act with love, justice, and compassion in everyday life.

🌍 What Is Catholic Social Teaching?

Catholic Social Teaching is a rich tradition of wisdom and guidance developed by the Church to help us live out our faith in society. It is built on key principles that reflect the dignity of every human person and the importance of community, justice, and stewardship. These principles include:

• Human Dignity – Every person is made in the image of God and deserves respect and care

• Solidarity – We are one human family and must stand together, especially with those in need

• The Common Good – We work for the wellbeing of all, not just ourselves

• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – We prioritise care for those who are most in need

• Rights and Responsibilities – Everyone has the right to basic needs and the responsibility to help others

• Stewardship of Creation – We care for the Earth as God’s gift to us

• Participation – Everyone has a role to play in building a just and loving society

These principles are taught explicitly through Religious Education and lived out across all aspects of school life.

🧒 CST in the Lives of Our Pupils

From Reception to Year 6, our pupils are immersed in the values of Catholic Social Teaching. We help children understand that their actions matter and that they can make a difference—whether it’s through a kind word, a helping hand, or standing up for what is right.

In the Early Years and Key Stage 1:

• Children learn that everyone is special and loved by God

• They are taught to share, take turns, and care for one another

• They begin to understand fairness and the importance of helping those in need

• Simple acts of charity, such as collecting for food banks or writing cards for the elderly, help them connect their faith to action

In Key Stage 2:

• Pupils explore global issues such as poverty, climate change, and inequality through a faith lens

• They take part in school councils and pupil voice activities, learning about participation and leadership

• They engage in fundraising and awareness campaigns for local and international charities

• They reflect on the teachings of Jesus and the lives of the saints as models of justice and compassion

• They learn about stewardship through eco-projects and sustainability initiatives

• They discuss moral choices and the importance of standing up for what is right

These experiences help our pupils grow into thoughtful, responsible individuals who understand their role in building a better world.

📖 CST Across the Curriculum

Catholic Social Teaching is not confined to Religious Education—it is embedded across all subjects and school life. In English, pupils explore themes of empathy and justice through stories and poetry. In History, they learn about individuals who have stood up for human rights. In Geography, they examine the impact of climate change and the importance of caring for creation. In Art and Music, they express ideas of hope, unity, and peace.

Our curriculum encourages children to ask big questions:

• What does it mean to be fair?

• How can I help someone in need?

• Why should I care for the planet?

• What does Jesus teach us about love and justice?

These questions help pupils connect their learning to their faith and develop a moral compass that will guide them throughout life.

💒 Living CST in Our School Community

At St Mary’s, we strive to be a living example of Catholic Social Teaching. Our school is a place where every child is valued, every voice is heard, and every person is treated with dignity. We foster a culture of inclusion, welcome, and mutual respect. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, show forgiveness, and work together for the common good.

We also work closely with our parish, families, and local community to extend the impact of CST beyond the school gates. Whether it’s inviting parishioners to school events, supporting local charities, or engaging in community service, our pupils learn that faith is not just something we talk about—it’s something we live.

🌟 Preparing Children for Life

Catholic Social Teaching helps our children become not only successful learners but also thoughtful, compassionate citizens. It teaches them to see the world through the eyes of faith and to respond with love and action. By the time they leave St Mary’s, our pupils have a strong foundation in Gospel values and a deep understanding of their role in building a more just and loving world.

We are proud to nurture children who are ready to lead with kindness, speak up for justice, and live out their faith with courage and joy.