At St John’s Catholic Primary School Religious Education is the ‘core of the core curriculum’. This helps us to fulfill our mission to educate the whole person, concerned not only with intellectual knowledge but also forming thoughtful, prayerful, curious, respectful, creative, independent, caring and responsible people. The outcome of excellent Religious Education is religiously literate and engaged children who have the knowledge, understanding and skills – to reflect spiritually, and think ethically and theologically, and who are aware of the demands of religious commitment in everyday life. We aim to maximise the contribution RE makes to raising standards and achievement.

Our school team is dedicated to ensure the seven Catholic Social Teachings themes are the golden thread through the curriculum. Find out below how we achieve this in our day to day living and learning.

Dignity of the Human Person

Dignity of the Human Person is the first and most important theme of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). For children, it means that every person is special, important, and loved by God—no matter who they are, where they come from, or what they can do.

God made each one of us in His image, which means we all have dignity. This dignity doesn't come from what we have or how we look, but simply because we are God's children. Because of this, we must treat everyone with kindness, fairness, and respect.

For children, this theme teaches that:

• Everyone is special and loved by God.

• We must be kind and respectful to everyone, even if they are different from us.

• Bullying, unkindness, or treating someone unfairly goes against God’s plan.

• We are all equal and deserve to be treated with love and care.

By understanding the dignity of every person, children learn to see others through the eyes of Jesus and to live out His message of love and respect for all. A group of young leaders travelled in our school mini bus to Bath. We shared out the items we had collected in the rucksacks for people who were needing our help.  Remembering we are all made in the image and likeness of God. 

Family and Community

Foundation Stage children read the text ‘It’s a No Money Day’ by Kate Milner. This book is a moving insight into how some families struggle to have enough money to buy food and the wonderful work of Foodbanks. The book aims to develop empathy and an awareness of others in younger readers. Foundation Stage decided that they wanted to make a difference and help people who might be hungry. Each week the school collects donations to take to Trowbridge Foodbank so they decided they would make a special effort to bring a small donation to school. The children and staff together managed to donate 56 items to the Foodbank collection. The children were so excited about the difference they are going to make to others! Thank you Foundation Stage.

Solidarity and the Common Good 

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights and Responsibilities is a key theme of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), and for children, it means understanding that everyone has things they need to live a happy and safe life — and that we all have a duty to help protect those things for others too.

God wants every person to have what they need: food, a home, safety, education, and love. These are called rights. But with these rights come responsibilities — to look after one another, to treat people fairly, and to speak up when something is wrong.

For children, this theme teaches that:

• Everyone has the right to be safe, cared for, and respected.

• We must help others enjoy their rights too.

• We have a responsibility to be kind, honest, and fair.

• If we see someone being treated unfairly, we should try to help.

It helps children understand that living like Jesus means standing up for what is right and caring for others as part of one global family. The children in EYFS reflected on what they had learnt about CAFOD's Water Aid Project and decided they wanted to be change makers and do something about this injustice. They created a speech and shared their vision with the whole school family! The children went on to organise a fundraising event to raise money for CAFOD.   

Option for the poor and vulnerable 

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable is a core theme of Catholic Social Teaching, and for children, it means putting those who have the least or who are struggling first — just like Jesus did.

Jesus cared deeply for people who were poor, lonely, sick, or left out. He taught us to love and help others, especially those who need it most. This means sharing what we have, being kind to those who are struggling, and speaking up for people who aren’t treated fairly.

For children, this theme teaches that:

• We should always try to help people in need.

• Every person matters, no matter how rich or poor they are.

• We can make a difference by sharing, giving, and being kind.

• Putting others first is a way of showing God’s love in the world.

By living this out, children learn to be generous, caring, and aware of the needs of others in their school, community, and the wider world.

We are mindful that many of our brothers and sisters both locally and globally are in need of our support and prayers. Children often lead and co-ordinate charity events which they are passionate to support. We work closely with CAFOD, Mission Together, Mary's Meals and other smaller local charities.      

Dignity of Work

Stewardship