“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
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As a Catholic school, St Clare’s follow the ‘To Know you More Clearly’ programme of Religious Education, recommended and developed by the Archdiocese of Liverpool. This programme of religious education is being phased in across the year groups with the aim that all Key Stages will be following the full ‘To Know you More Clearly Programme’ by 2025.
Currently our EYFS children are following the ‘To know you more clearly programme’ soon to be followed by Year 1 in Spring term. Until we make the move over to the new curriculum Year’s 2 – 6 are continuing to follow the ‘Come and See’ programme of study.
‘To Know you More Clearly’ is an innovative and engaging programme of study which is an invitation to exploration and promise of life for everyone. Children are given the opportunity to search, explore, discover and respond; allowing our them to reflect on what it is to be human and living in our world.
Questions are raised that provide the materials for children to reflect upon their own experiences; looking at meaning and purpose which will enable children to think critically about themselves.
‘To Know you More Clearly’ explores the beliefs, values and the way of life of the Catholic traditions as well as other faith traditions. This allows them to develop good attitudes and dispositions so that our children are instilled with a ‘love of learning,’ and a desire to go on learning.
Children will be offered a sense of self-worth through the experience of belonging to the caring community of St.Clare’s. They will develop a ‘love of each other’ which allows their individual ‘lights to shine’.
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Catholic Social Teaching
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Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.
At St Clare’s we believe very human person is made in the image and likeness of God. This is a gift that we all share as fellow human beings; we are all infinitely loved by our Creator.
God is present in every human person, regardless of religion, culture, nationality, orientation or economic standing. Each one of us is unique and beautiful. We are called to treat every person and every creature with loving respect.
In our school we teach our children, that the fruits of the earth belong to everyone. No one should be excluded from the gifts of creation.
Peace is a cornerstone of our faith. Christ, the Prince of Peace, sacrificed himself with love on the cross.
In the first pages of the Bible we read how God created the sun and the stars, the water and earth, and every creature. We believe Christ is the redeemer of all creation.
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At St. Clare’s, our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching is deeply embedded in our ethos, guiding our actions and shaping our community. We strive to live out the following seven principles:
Dignity of the Human Person
We believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, deserving of respect and dignity. In our school, we promote kindness, inclusivity, and compassion, ensuring that each child feels valued and supported. For instance, our anti-bullying initiatives and peer support programs encourage students to embrace and celebrate each other’s uniqueness.
Dignity of Work
We recognize that work is a form of participation in God’s creation. At St. Clare’s, we instill a strong work ethic in our students by encouraging them to take pride in their efforts and achievements. Our service projects, where students help organize community events, foster a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the value of hard work.
Family and Community
Families are the cornerstone of society, and we strive to support and strengthen our school community. Our family engagement events, such as community gatherings and parent workshops, create a welcoming environment where families feel connected and valued. We also collaborate with local organizations to support families in need, reinforcing our commitment to community welfare.
Rights and Responsibilities
Every person has fundamental rights, and with these rights come responsibilities. At St. Clare’s, we teach our students about their rights as individuals while emphasizing their responsibility to contribute positively to the community. Through our student council, children learn to voice their opinions and take action on issues that matter to them, promoting civic engagement and responsibility.
Solidarity and the Common Good
We are called to stand in solidarity with one another, recognizing our interconnectedness as a community. Our charity initiatives, where students participate in fundraising for local and global causes, help cultivate a spirit of generosity and empathy. We encourage students to understand the importance of working together for the common good, emphasizing how their actions can make a difference.
Stewardship of God’s Creation
Caring for the environment is a fundamental aspect of our faith. At St. Clare’s, we are proud to be an Eco School, actively engaging our students in sustainability efforts. Our school grounds feature gardens and green spaces, where children learn about biodiversity and the importance of protecting God’s creation through hands-on activities.
The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
We are called to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. Our school actively participates in local outreach programs, providing support to those in need. Through food drives and community service projects, our students learn the importance of compassion and helping those less fortunate.
Our Prayer Garden
Our prayer garden is a visual reminder of our faith and provides us with a serene refuge where we can spend time with God. In this quiet space we can pray, meditate, or just sit quietly as we enjoy God’s natural beauty flourishing around us. Our prayer garden is a place of awe and wonder, we can marvel at the wonderful world God has created for us.
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Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Links (SMSC)