Live Simply Award
The Live Simply award is an opportunity for Catholic communities – parishes, schools, religious orders and chaplaincies – to answer the call for us to care for our common home and stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world.
The bishops of England and Wales have encouraged all parishes and schools to work towards the award as a way of “protecting this world which God has entrusted to us”.
Click here to see our Live Simply action plan
See more about the Live Simply award by following the link to the CAFOD website
Global Action: The Big Lent Walk
Standing in Solidarity with Our Global Family
This Lent, the entire school community joined the CAFOD Big Lent Walk, raising funds and awareness for global causes. Pupils learned about solidarity through Catholic Social Teaching and explored CAFOD’s mission in assemblies and lessons.
Global Action: Fairtrade Fortnight
Supporting Fair and Ethical Trade
During Fairtrade Fortnight (9th–24th September 2024), our Chaplaincy team led efforts to run a Fairtrade assembly for the whole school. This initiative helped pupils explore the impact of ethical consumption while linking learning across RE, Maths, and PSHE. It also raised awareness and funds to support global communities.
Global Action: Soup Lunch
Choosing Simplicity and Making a Difference
To reflect on sacrifice and solidarity, students and staff will participated in a Soup Lunch during the Summer Term. By choosing a simple meal and donating instead of having their usual lunch, they raised money for CAFOD’s work with the world’s poorest communities. Lessons connected this to food waste and global inequality.
Local Action: Foodbank Support
Helping Our Local Neighbours in Need
At Harvest time, pupils led a collection for the local foodbank. They took responsibility for organising and promoting the drive, learning how such efforts uphold human dignity and solidarity. RE and PSHE lessons supported understanding of why these actions matter locally.
Local Action: Care Home Connection
Building Community Through Friendship and Respect
Pupils built a relationship with a local care home by writing letters, creating cards, visiting, and singing carols at Christmas. These interactions helped children learn empathy, appreciate intergenerational relationships, and understand the value of community service.
Local Action: School and Community Litter Picks
Caring for Creation Locally
Inspired by Laudato Si’, pupils have taken part in regular litter picks around the school and nearby community. Each session starts with a prayer, reinforcing the faith-based message of stewardship. Through this, children learn about environmental responsibility and the importance of local action.
School Action: Creating a Prayer and Vegetable Garden
A Space for Peace, Prayer, and Growth
Our Eco-Committee and Chaplaincy Group, supported by parents and parishioners, are leading the development of a Prayer Garden with vegetable patches. This space will support outdoor learning, reflection, and community involvement, blending faith, science, and art.
School Action: Disconnect to Reconnect Day
Reducing Our Footprint and Reconnecting with Each Other
For one day, the school switched off electronic devices and screens to focus on outdoor and creative activities. Pupils and families were encouraged to continue this into the evening, spending time together without technology. The day offered lessons in sustainability, well-being, and social connection.
School Action: Eco-Committee Initiatives
Encouraging Sustainable Habits at School
Our School Council now also acts as the Eco-Committee, promoting energy-saving habits such as turning off lights, reducing paper use, and managing food waste. Posters around school serve as reminders, and children are learning how small changes can have a big impact.
