Catholic Social Teaching

At St James’, we are passionate about Catholic Social Teaching because we understand the important role it plays in forming our young people to become the fullest versions of themselves and to recognise the part they can play in building a better world.

Our vision is that every young person leaves St James’ able and willing to help bring about the Kingdom of God here on Earth - a Kingdom of peace, justice, love and joy.

Catholic Social Teaching helps us to understand what that looks like in practice. It begins with the dignity of every human person: the understanding that every individual is made in the image and likeness of God and is therefore of infinite worth. From this flows our responsibility to participate in society and work for the common good; to stand alongside those experiencing injustice or suffering; to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first, rather than at the back of the queue; and to care for the gifts entrusted to us - our own gifts and talents, the gifts of others, and our common home.

At St James’, Catholic Social Teaching is something we learn, but more importantly something we seek to live.

It can be found across our curriculum as students are encouraged to consider questions of dignity, justice, responsibility and the common good through different subjects. But it is also woven into the everyday life and culture of our school.

We live it through our restorative approach to relationships; our charitable giving and social action; our Student Council and the opportunities students have to participate and make their voices heard; our commitment to inclusion, diversity and anti-bullying; our Gardening Club and care for creation; and the practical support we offer members of our community when times are difficult.

It is reflected in our determination to ensure that disadvantage does not become a barrier to opportunity, and in the choices we make to give particular support and access to those who may otherwise have less. Most fundamentally, it is present in our commitment to creating a school in which every young person is known, seen and valued.

Catholic Social Teaching challenges us to look beyond ourselves and ask not simply “What do I want?” but “What is my responsibility to others?” “Whose voice is not being heard?” “Who needs me to stand alongside them?” and “How can I use what I have been given for the good of others?”

In this way, we hope to form young people who not only understand the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, but have developed the habits, compassion and courage to live them - using their gifts to become people of peace, justice, love and joy in whatever communities they go on to serve.