Living the Gospel Through Love, Service and Justice

At St Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School, Catholic Social Teaching underpins our mission and shapes the way we help our children live out the Gospel each day. As a proud member of the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership (KCSP), we share a collective commitment to place Christ at the heart of all we do and to ensure every child is nurtured to flourish spiritually, morally, socially and academically. 

CST is the Church’s rich tradition of reflection on how we build a just, loving and peaceful world. It teaches us that faith is lived through action, compassion, dignity and the way we treat one another.

At St Michael’s, CST is not a separate subject — it is a way of life.

 

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Below is a clear, child‑friendly explanation of the CST principles and how they come alive in our school community.

 

1. Dignity of the Human Person

Every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves respect and love.

At St Michael’s, this is reflected in:

• Our warm, nurturing environment and CIRCLE values
• Behaviour rooted in dignity, forgiveness and respect
• Ensuring every child knows they are valued and loved

2. The Common Good & Solidarity

We are one human family and we are called to work for the good of all.

We teach children to:

• Support one another in learning and play
• Stand together in kindness and service
• Contribute to school and community life through leadership roles

3. Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Jesus teaches us to care especially for those in greatest need.

At St Michael’s, this is expressed through:

• Charity fundraising and community outreach
• Support for local and global causes
• Encouraging children to put others before themselves
  (This reflects KCSP’s shared mission of service.)

4. Care for God’s Creation

The world is God’s gift to us. We must protect it for future generations.

Children experience this through:

• Forest School led by a Level 3 practitioner
• Eco Council projects and environmental initiatives
• Learning about creation and stewardship in RE, Science and Geography

5. Dignity of Work & the Rights of Workers

Work is a way to participate in God’s creation.

We help children appreciate that:

• Their efforts, talents and achievements matter
• Everyone has gifts to share
• Working together builds community and purpose

6. Rights and Responsibilities

We all have the right to what we need — and the responsibility to help others access this too.

At St Michael’s, children learn:

• The importance of fairness and responsibility
• How rules and responsibilities help everyone flourish
• Their duty to contribute positively to school life
  (Links closely with British Values of Rule of Law and Individual Liberty.)

7. Participation

We are called to take part in society and help shape a better world.

Our pupils live this out through:

• Worship Leaders
• School Council
• Eco Council
• Sports Leaders
• Reading Ambassadors
• House Captains and buddy roles
  
  

These roles help pupils understand that their voice matters and they can make real change in the world around them.

How We Teach CST at St Michael’s

CST is embedded across our curriculum and daily life through:

Religious Education (RE)

Rooted in Catholic teaching, Scripture and the life of Christ.

Collective Worship

Assemblies, liturgies, prayer and reflection linked to Gospel values and social action.

PSHE / Wellbeing

Lessons that explore kindness, justice, equality, respect and understanding.

Curriculum Links

• Geography: Global citizenship and environmental care
• History: Understanding justice, fairness and human rights
• English: Stories exploring empathy, courage and moral choices

Action & Service

• Charity fundraising
• Supporting parish and local community events
• Social action projects led by pupils
• Caring for school grounds and the wider environment

CST in Action at St Michael’s

Here are some ways our CST commitment becomes real for children:

• Foodbank collections and charity drives
• Eco initiatives (litter picks, recycling projects, sustainable living)
• Forest School and care for creation
• Pupil leadership teams serving the school and parish
• Celebrations of the liturgical year, promoting reflection and community
• Participation in KCSP prayer and mission events, strengthening unity across the Catholic family of schools 

Why Catholic Social Teaching Matters

CST helps our children grow into:

• Compassionate leaders
• Thoughtful decision‑makers
• Fair and responsible citizens
• Active protectors of God’s creation
• Young people who live their faith with joy, courage and love

By weaving CST into every part of school life, St Michael’s ensures children not only learn about justice and faith — they live it.