Catholic Social Teaching

You can find more about how SFX promotes the principles of Catholic Social Teaching by clicking here:

https://sfx1842.org/catholic-life/catholic-social-teaching/

The Art department aims to nurture and develop each student’s personal identity in our contemporary society and within their locality. We promote understanding of cultural diversity and encourage the need for mutual respect, in addition to offering the opportunity for spiritual and ethical development. This is especially important in a Post-Covid curriculum where SEMH has been affected and impacted on social interaction. We pride ourselves on providing a safe space for students and proved an environment where freedom of expression is encouraged. Rooted in social, moral, spiritual and cultural ethos, our curriculum not only values but  places a huge emphases on ‘inspiring life in all its’ fullness’.  

The Business curriculum aims to encourage pupils to explore moral values in business and how Corporate Social Responsibility is of paramount importance in society today. The impact of legislation and human dignity, alongside the importance of equal opportunities in the workplace, develops pupil knowledge of rights and responsibilities for employers and employees.  Ethical and environmental considerations for businesses express the importance of stewardship of creation. Our pupils are encouraged to explore how society can develop through actions that include sustainability and solidarity towards the common good.  

Students engage enthusiastically in classroom activities and demonstrate informed decision-making when seeking and using information, whilst showing respect for their own and others’ rights and responsibilities. They explore the significant impact of technology on society and the wider reaching issues that affect the environment, society and individuals, recognising both the positive and negative effects. Within a supportive and inclusive learning environment, students are empowered to express themselves freely, in lessons that offer a sense of safety and acceptance. Encouragement is given for students to take pride in their achievements and to support others who may be struggling. 

7 Principles of Catholic Teaching- COMPUTER SCIENCE 

Design and Technology fosters creative thinking, equips students with essential skills, and empowers them to tackle challenges through practical problem-solving. As they engage with the subject, students not only learn to make informed choices benefiting themselves and others, but also gain insight into the global impact of their creations, thereby contributing ethically to a better world. Our goal is to nurture students’ creative and academic growth in Design and Technology by cultivating an environment where they feel empowered to take risks, learn from mistakes, and where their achievements are celebrated. We aim to inspire motivated learners who find joy in their lessons and recognize the transformative potential of their engagement with the subject in shaping a more ethical and impactful world. 

At St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy the English Department delivers a curriculum which encompasses and promotes the values and mission of Catholicism. 

 The curriculum from KS3 – KS5 teaches a range of literary texts (novels, plays, non-fiction and poems) which embody spiritual and moral elements so as to inspire pupils to live “life in all its fullness”. 

Pupils are taught the importance of empathy, kindness and understanding so that they may become advocates of faith and integrity within their local, national and global communities. 

We encourage pupils to show respect towards all people including those of different cultures and traditions. This is taught through the study of texts which explore universal and also diverse themes, contexts and ideas. 

Geography is the study of the world around us. It encourages our pupils at SFX to think more carefully about the needs of others and how to make the world a more fair and more equitable place for all to live happily and sustainably. Dignity of the human person is represented in KS4 with issues surrounding squatter settlements and quality of life in Newly Emerging Economies and Low-Income Countries.  Helping the urban poor and the vulnerable is also carefully examined in KS4 in relation to the development gap as well as urban deprivation and the cycle of poverty in the UK.  The study of geography fosters a sense of awe and wonder about the world we live in. Our curriculum allows pupils to enquire, question, analyse and debate the world around them; thinking as global citizens, who understand the complexities and demands of the ever-changing modern world. Our curriculum at SFX allows the students to examine and understand inclusivity and strategies employed to overcome prejudice and bias. Care for Creation and stewardship are seen in all aspects of KS3 and KS4 Geography. Environmental issues run throughout all year groups and are central to the geography curriculum.  The study of geography empowers our pupils with the ability to be stewards for our Earth and the desire to care for it for future generations.  

Humanity’s greatest achievements and failures are studied throughout the history curriculum at SFX from the Iron Age to the present day. The curriculum thematically addresses key issues throughout such as human rights and universal suffrage in topics such as the transatlantic slave trade, the Peterloo massacre and the Suffragette movement. Catholic social teaching will be evident in history teaching by a focus on principles such as the Common good when looking at topics like the abolitionist movement and Magna carta. Human dignity features heavily in the KS3 history curriculum and students are taught to think compassionately about the injustice and poor treatment that people have faced at various times such as the holocaust, students are taught to reflect on the sanctity of human life. Care for God’s creation and the environment is looked at throughout KS3 when the Industrial revolution is studied. Also, during GCSE when looking at pollution and the impact of humanity on the world they live in and how it can affect people’s well being and health.  

In our Mathematics programme, we uphold the dignity of every individual by acknowledging diverse learning styles. Our curriculum is crafted to be inclusive, supportive, and intellectually stimulating, ensuring all students can achieve their full potential. Within our classes, mutual respect prevails as students are encouraged to participate freely, express their opinions, and respond to questions in a nurturing environment. We foster a sense of responsibility and pride in students, emphasising the importance of respecting shared resources and considering environmental and communal needs. Our curriculum covers financial literacy and statistics, broadening students’ understanding of global and community-related issues, nurturing their holistic development. 

The MFL department at SFX has very experienced staff who endeavour to provide engaging, ambitious and knowledge enhancing lessons. It aims to produce skilled linguists who are independent, enthusiastic and resilient whilst also striving to enhance their cultural capital through interesting and relevant inclusion of events, customs, traditions and points of interest across the Hispanic world.   

By engaging and mastering this language it will also promote the dignity of the human person regardless of who they are or what language they speak.  It will foster solidarity, particularly with the poorer Spanish speaking countries of the world. 

Catholic Social Teaching is at the heart of our Catholic faith and therefore it is at the heart of Religious Education and SFX. We promote the principles Catholic Social Teaching as part of our intention to develop religious literacy so that pupils know how to put these principles into action and build a shared language rooted in these principles. Through the new RED curriculum, we engage with CST through multiple topics that include; creation, stewardship and Jesus as the suffering servant. l. At GCSE level, pupils apply the principles to their learning as a source of wisdom and authority.  Pupils explore Care for Creation through their learning about Laudato si’, stewardship. In Year 9, pupils consider dignity of the human person, rights for workers and rights and responsibility by looking at the character and attributes of Malala and other prominent figures. In Year 8, pupils consider Jesus’ commitment to the poor and vulnerable during His ministry with a specific focus upon the ‘Golden Rule’. The principles of Catholic Social Teaching empower pupils at St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy to take their learning beyond the RE classroom so that they can make a positive contribution to the school and wider communities. 

Catholic Social Teaching infuses every aspect of life, and science follows suit. Therefore, the science curriculum offers abundant opportunities to promote and delve into Catholic Social Teaching. While exploring the environment, we emphasise our collective responsibility as stewards of creation. Topics on evolution and adaptation showcase the marvels of God’s creation. The sanctity of human life and dignity is addressed in discussions on human reproduction, health, disease, and medical advancements. Solidarity and the concept of a unified human family are explored in discussions on climate change, fossil fuels, genetic modification in agriculture, and energy consumption. Students are urged to contemplate the impact of their consumer choices on the broader world. Through these discussions, students come to understand that while science may not have all the answers to the world’s problems, decisions should be guided by Catholic Social Teaching. We encourage them to recognise the constructive role of science in upholding human dignity in our global society. Our aim is to instil in them an awareness of the responsibilities that scientists bear in making the world more just and equitable, while emphasising the need to respect and care for God’s creation.