Option for the Poor (Year A: Autumn 1, Year B: Summer 1)

This reflects the Christian mandate to meet God in those who are in need and marginalised. We seek to amplify the voice of the poor and advocate for systemic change to provide a fairer society for all. Our charitable work reflects our ongoing focus on this CST Principle. We support the local MK Foodbank, St Mark's Meals, the SVP,  the Humanitas School in Ghana and CAFOD, amongst many other charitable organisations.

Human Dignity: (Year A: Autumn 2, Year B: Spring 2)

This is the foundational principle of Catholic Social Teaching. It encourages us to think of every person, regardless of their situation, as being made in the image of God and deserving of respect, justice, and compassion. Because of this, we believe that people are more important than things and we seek to prioritise human needs.

Dignity of Workers (Year A: Spring 1, Year B: Spring 1)

This reflects the idea that every person’s work contributes to the common good and must be respected. This includes wages, safe working conditions and the right to organise. We engage with this principle by advocating for fair labour practices and challenging exploitation and inequality in the workplace. We learn about the importance of Fair Trade products and how we can support the dignity of workers around the world. 

Solidarity and Peace (Year A: Spring 2, Year B: Summer 2)

We are all People of God, one human family. Therefore, what happens to one has an impact on all, locally, nationally and globally. Our love for all calls us to work for a peaceful and just society where everyone has a fair share of the goods needed for a sustainable life, and opportunities for growth and development are offered equally. The dignity of every person is respected within St Bernadette's and through our interactions with others.

Community and Participation (Year A: Summer 1, Year B: Autumn 2)

We are called to get involved in our communities, working for the common good and making sure that everyone, especially those on the margins, have the opportunity to contribute and belong. Our Mini Vinnies lead on the development specific areas such as our Prayer Life, our Charitable Work and our responsibilities in Caring for God's Creation. There are many other ways in which our children are encouraged to get involved in ensuring community and participation - Junior Park Rangers, Playtime Pals and School Ambassadors all play their part.

Care of Creation (Year A: Summer 2, Year B: Autumn 1)

Caring for our environment and its resources is our moral duty. The Earth is a gift from God and we have a responsibility to protect it for the benefit of all, especially future generations. We take this role extremely seriously – we have a clear sustainability action plan in place; we benefit from solar panels, school allotments, water butts and other water-saving initiatives. Our children also look after our prayer garden diligently. We were the first school in our diocese to achieve the Live Simply Award. We have been awarded the Green Flag and the Eco Advocates School recognition. Our fundraising for CAFOD World Gifts also helps us to support the Care of Creation within the wider world through funding water supplies, plants, seeds, chickens etc.