Catholic Social Teaching at Oratory Primary School 

Introduction 

At Oratory Primary School, our Catholic faith calls us not only to learn about the teachings of Christ but also to live them out in our daily lives. Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a vital part of our mission as a Catholic school and helps guide our pupils in understanding how they can contribute to a more just, compassionate and loving world. 

Rooted in the Gospel message, Catholic Social Teaching encourages us to care for one another, especially those most in need, and to recognise the dignity and worth of every person. Through these teachings, children learn that faith is not only something we believe, but something we actively live through our actions and relationships. 

Our school motto reminds us of the importance of community and shared responsibility: 

 “We work together, we laugh together, we play together and we pray together.” 

Our vision also reflects this commitment: 

Our aim is to nurture in our children a strong sense of self belief, to be loving and considerate with others, and keen to make the most of the years which stretch before them to do good. 

Through Catholic Social Teaching, pupils are encouraged to recognise their role in God’s world and understand that they can make a positive difference through kindness, service and respect for others. 

Catholic Social Teaching at Oratory: Rooted in Love 

At Oratory Primary School we teach Catholic Social Teaching through the Rooted in Love programme developed by Caritas Westminster.  

Rooted in Love is a diocesan resource designed specifically for Catholic schools. It helps pupils understand the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and supports them in putting these values into action in their daily lives. 

The programme enables children to:  

• Learn about the Church’s call to care for others 

• Reflect on issues of justice, dignity and responsibility 

• Take practical action within their school, parish and wider community 

• Develop compassion and empathy for those experiencing hardship 

Through assemblies, class activities, reflection and acts of service, our Oratory children are encouraged to see how their faith connects with real-world issues and how they can respond with love and generosity. 

The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is built upon a number of key principles that guide how we live and treat others. Using the Rooted in Love programme, we focus on a different principle each half term so that the children can develop a deeper understanding of how these values can be lived out in their everyday lives.

Human Dignity

We believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore has inherent dignity and worth.

At Oratory, we help children understand that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. Pupils are encouraged to stand up for others, celebrate differences and ensure that everyone feels valued and included within our community.

Community & Participation

We are all part of one human family, and each of us has a responsibility to contribute to the good of our communities.

At Oratory, children learn that their actions can help make our school and wider community a better place. Working together, sharing resources and supporting one another helps everyone to flourish. We also encourage pupils to take an active role in school life through pupil leadership, charitable initiatives, service and opportunities to share their ideas and contribute to the life of the school. Children learn that their voices matter and that they can help shape their community for the good of others.

Preferential Option for the Poor

The Gospel calls us to care especially for those who are poor, vulnerable or most in need.

Throughout the year, children learn about ways they can support others through charitable work, fundraising and acts of service. They develop an understanding that noticing and responding to those in need is a practical expression of living out their faith.

Solidarity & Peace

Solidarity reminds us that we are brothers and sisters in one global family and that we are called to work for peace and justice.

Children are encouraged to develop empathy and understanding for people across the world and to recognise that our choices can affect others. Through learning about local and global issues, our children begin to see how they can stand alongside others, resolve conflict peacefully and act with compassion and responsibility.

Care for Creation

God entrusted the earth to us, and we have a responsibility to care for our common home.

At Oratory, we encourage pupils to respect and protect the environment by making responsible choices, reducing waste and appreciating the beauty of the world God created. Children learn that caring for creation is part of our responsibility to God, to one another and to future generations.

Dignity in Work

Work is part of human dignity and gives people the opportunity to use their gifts, serve others and contribute to the good of society.

At Oratory, children learn that all work has value when it respects the dignity of the person. We help pupils to understand the importance of fairness, responsibility, service and using their gifts well, while also recognising that everyone deserves to be treated with respect in the work they do.

Living Out Catholic Social Teaching at Oratory 

At Oratory Primary School, Catholic Social Teaching is not confined to a single lesson or subject, but is woven throughout the life of the school and reflected in our relationships, decisions and actions. 

Pupils are encouraged to live out these principles through everyday actions such as: 

• Showing kindness, respect and forgiveness towards others 

• Supporting charitable initiatives and fundraising events 

• Caring for the school environment and wider world 

• Welcoming and including everyone within the school community 

• Speaking up for fairness and justice 

• Working together to support those who may need help 

Through assemblies, prayer, reflection and classroom discussion, children are given opportunities to explore how the teachings of the Church apply to their own lives and experiences. 

The Oratory Way 

At Oratory Primary School we refer to the values that shape our school community as ‘The Oratory Way.’ This reflects how our Catholic ethos, our school motto and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching guide the way we treat one another and live together. 

Our motto reminds us that we grow together in every aspect of school life: We work together, we play together, we laugh together, we pray together. Through this shared approach, the children learn that faith is expressed not only through prayer and worship but also through their daily actions. Acts of kindness, cooperation and compassion become natural expressions of the Gospel values that we strive to live out. 

The Oratory Way ensures that Catholic Social Teaching is not simply something pupils learn about, but something they experience and practise every day. Our Oratory children develop an understanding of how their faith calls them to care for others and to contribute positively to the world around them. By embedding these principles within our curriculum, our relationships and our daily actions, we aim to nurture pupils who are compassionate, thoughtful and committed to living out the teachings of Christ. This ensures that our children grow not only as learners but also as responsible members of God’s family, ready to use their gifts to do good in the years which stretch before them.