Catholic Social Teaching

There are certain values that underpin education in every Catholic school. As a community of faith, we aim to put Christ and his teachings at the centre of what we do through following certain values. At Oaklands, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching summarise our core values.  This year, we have made great progress in embedding the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in our school life. They have formed part of our assemblies as well our weekly Oaklands Way reflection and our general approach to how we run our school. For example, our new student leadership system is based on the principle of work and participation – students are given the opportunities to be part of the decision-making
process for the school. They participate and thus feel valued. Below are a few other examples of how we have tried to put these principles into action:

Human Dignity – in our approach to behaviour management and classroom practice, every student matters and they are treated with deep respect. This underpins everything we do at Oaklands, we respect the dignity of every person. This is seen in how we treat and speak to each other.

Common Good – In Year 9 RE, students learned about sharing earth’s resources in the topic on stewardship and what Pope Francis said in ‘Laudato Si’. Also, in The Oaklands Way presentations, we were reminded as a community to use well the resources available in school, for example the Canteen, toilets, sports facilities – we must use them well so that others can also use them.

Solidarity – in PE, we have been taught to work as a team, cooperate with each other to achieve a common aim. This has taught us to stand up for each other, and recognise that we need each other. In Maths, when learning about percentages and negative numbers, students have also had opportunities to reflect on how other people in the world are negatively impacted by the decisions we make, and thus encouraged to think about standing up for others.

Rights and responsibilities – In PDC, we learned about some important laws in our country as well how to keep safe. It is good to know what our rights are but also to know how these rights also place on us some responsibilities. For example, as I have a right to freedom of expression, I also have a responsibility not to say anything that is hurtful and hateful to others

Work and participation – in Design and Technology, we learned that God created us and we in turn are also creators. When we work, we are fulfilling God’s call for each us to be co-creators with God. We take pride in our work, but also encourage everyone to be involved.  As a school this principle also informs how we organise our work. Cooperation between members of each department, consulting staff on important matters and ensuring that the performance management system is as clear and transparent as possible for everyone.

Care for creation – in Geography we learned about the effects of climate change and global warming. We are supposed to act, do things that will reduce emissions of harmful gases and toxins into our environment. This linked in what we were also learning in RE on stewardship.

Option for the poor – throughout the year, we have held fundraising events to support many who need help. For example, we have continued to support St John’s School in Korogocho Slums, Nairobi. We also raised money for Catholic Association for Racial Justice during our Culture week. Another way we have put this principle into practice this year is our continued work in the SEN Department. Supporting all our students who have additional learning needs is making sure that each student is given what they need to learn and do well.

Peace – This is an important principle that we try to live by in our community because it is at the heart of our Christian faith. Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace because if the world followed his teaching and way of life, then there will be peace in the world. Some of the key ingredients to maintaining peace are forgiveness and reconciliation. Our focus on restorative justice between staff and students is born out of this belief.

Next year, we will continue to build on the work we have done this year and challenge ourselves to find ways to follow each of these principles in our everyday life at Oaklands. Each department in the school is going to include in their development plans how they are going to promote these principles in their subject area.