Catholic Social Teaching

“Always taking as its starting point, the person and message of Jesus, Catholic Social Teaching may be defined as the principles developed by the Church on matters of social justice, involving issues of poverty and wealth, education, economics, social organisation and the role of the government.”

We recognise the significance of Catholic Social Teaching, and the importance of our young people having the drive, purpose and understanding to live out these lessons as they step into the world as young adults.

Student Leadership: Chaplaincy Team
Chaplaincy Leadership at STM offers a unique opportunity for students to delve into the rich traditions of the liturgical calendar and develop a profound understanding of prayer and its significance during different seasons of the year. As we deepen our knowledge of the transformative journey Jesus undertook, we invite Him to walk alongside our students as they embark on their own personal, spiritual, and academic paths.

The Chaplaincy Team takes the lead in supporting the organisation of charity events throughout the school, encouraging all students to actively participate in raising funds for causes close to their hearts. By reflecting on the impact of the money raised, students gain a greater awareness of their potential to make a positive difference in our broader community, guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teachings.

Click here to find out more about our Chaplaincy team

Romero Award
We strive to achieve the prestigious Oscar Romero Award, which recognises organisations that embody the spirit of social justice and emulate the legacy of Oscar Romero. As the Archbishop of San Salvador, Romero was a prominent figure in the Catholic church and a symbol of social justice in El Salvador. He passionately advocated for the rights of the poor and oppressed, denouncing violence, and calling for an end to poverty and inequality. Romero's commitment to social justice, rooted in his faith, reflects key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, such as the dignity of every human person and the pursuit of justice and solidarity. His martyrdom while standing with the oppressed serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering dedication. Pursuing this award demonstrates our dedication to promoting Catholic Social Teaching and continuing Romero's legacy.

Faith Formation

RE Lessons
Religious education is the core of the school curriculum. The RE curriculum has been designed in line with the 2012 RECD and is in the process of being updated to encompass the new 2025 RED. RE lessons aim to nurture religiously literate and consciously engaged young people who have the knowledge, understanding, and skills to reflect spiritually, and think ethically and theologically. This allows our students to explore the obligations of Catholic life in modern society, including Catholic Social Teaching and Relationship and Sex Education (RSE). The requirement for Core parity is met.

Service, faith, future sessions
Each week, during morning registration, students have time with their Form Tutor which is dedicated to reflecting upon and developing their faith. In these sessions, they engage with the following...

• The charism of St Thomas More School

• What is Catholic Social Teaching

• Reflection of how students live out Catholic Social Teachings and the school’s mission statement

• Impact and contribution of significant Catholic people

• Gospel values

• Significant times in the liturgical year

Students have specific pages in their journal and half-termly booklets to support this time

Alpha

Alpha is a program that explores the Christian faith through a series of sessions. It provides a safe and welcoming environment for individuals to ask questions, discuss their beliefs, and deepen their understanding of Christianity.

The Alpha Course is significant for young people in schools because it allows them to explore faith, address existential questions, and develop values in a safe and inclusive environment. It fosters personal growth, encourages dialogue, and provides a supportive community for students on their spiritual journey.

Alpha takes on additional significance when led by students who have been trained to lead these sessions. This student-led approach promotes leadership development and ownership among young participants. Empowering students to lead the program, offers them opportunities to take ownership of their faith, develop leadership skills, and actively engage their peers in discussions about spirituality and Christianity. This approach encourages a sense of responsibility, initiative, and personal investment in the exploration of faith within the school community.