Catholic Social Teaching
At Coloma, we believe that our faith calls us to do more than simply understand the world around us. It calls us to make a positive difference to it.
Catholic Social Teaching provides a framework for understanding how we can live out the teachings of Jesus in our everyday lives. It challenges us to recognise the dignity of every human being, stand alongside those experiencing disadvantage, care for our common home and work together to build a more just, peaceful and compassionate society.
These principles are at the heart of our Catholic identity and are woven throughout life at Coloma. They are explicitly taught within our curriculum, explored across different subject areas and brought to life through Chaplaincy, enrichment activities, charitable initiatives and opportunities to serve others.
We want our students not only to understand these values, but to embrace them, question the world around them and have the courage to put their beliefs into action.
The principles that guide us
Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore has inherent dignity and worth. Its principles encourage us to consider how our choices affect others and how, together, we can contribute to the common good.
At Coloma, we particularly focus on eight key principles:
Human Dignity
Every person is unique, precious and deserving of respect. We celebrate the dignity of every individual, recognising that everyone has value, regardless of their background, circumstances or beliefs.
The Common Good
We are called to look beyond our own needs and consider the wellbeing of the whole community. We encourage our students to recognise their responsibilities to others and understand how their actions can contribute to a society in which everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
Solidarity
We are all part of one human family. Solidarity means standing alongside others, recognising injustice and showing compassion, particularly towards those who are marginalised, vulnerable or experiencing hardship.
Subsidiarity
Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute, participate and have their voice heard. We encourage our students to take responsibility, show initiative and recognise the importance of empowering individuals and communities to shape their own futures.
Care for Creation
The world is a gift entrusted to us by God. We have a responsibility to protect our environment, respect the natural world and make choices that help safeguard our common home for future generations.
A Preferential Option for the Poor
Jesus calls us to recognise and respond to the needs of those who are most vulnerable. We encourage our students to show generosity, challenge inequality and ensure that those who are struggling are not forgotten.
Peace
Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is built through justice, understanding, forgiveness and respect. We encourage our students to become people who promote reconciliation, celebrate difference and work towards a more peaceful world.
The Dignity of Work and Participation
Everyone has the right to meaningful work, fair opportunities and the chance to contribute their gifts and talents. We value the contribution each individual makes and encourage our students to recognise the importance of responsibility, participation and service.
Making a difference in our community
At Coloma, we believe that small acts of kindness, when brought together, can make a significant difference.
Our Form and Chaplaincy Representatives play an important role in bringing Catholic Social Teaching to life through charitable initiatives and practical support for those in need.
One of the ways they do this is by collecting and donating essential items to Croydon Nightwatch, a local charity that supports people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.
Through initiatives such as this, our students develop a greater understanding of the challenges faced by others and learn that compassion must be accompanied by action.
These experiences encourage our young people to look beyond themselves, recognise the needs within their local community and understand that they have both the ability and responsibility to make a difference.
Learning to change the world
Catholic Social Teaching encourages our students to become thoughtful, compassionate and socially responsible young women who are prepared to engage with the world around them.
We want them to question injustice, respect different perspectives, care for creation, stand up for those whose voices are less often heard and recognise that their individual actions matter.
Above all, we hope they leave Coloma understanding that faith is not simply something we practise; it is something we live.
We want our young women to have the courage to stand up for what is right, the compassion to care for others and the confidence to help build a better world.