It also introduced a relatively a new term into the vocabulary of Catholic schools’ curricula: ‘ecological education’ – a holistic approach to sustainability which recognises the interconnected nature of economic, social and environmental issues, promoting “a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet".
Implemented by the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES), SCIAF and Justice & Peace Scotland, schools are asked to use a whole school approach to explore topics such as sustainable development, global poverty, global citizenship and social justice – all through the lens of Church teachings.
Just one example where Laudato Si’ Schools is used as the framework to deliver Learning for Sustainability successfully is in St Patricks Primary School in Denny. Their approach allows children to “experience a range of opportunities which enable them to grow in faith, gain a knowledge and understanding of their rights and further develop as global citizens”.
The Laudato Si’ Schools journey of learning, praying and acting for global justice guides schools in their approach to:
- Responding to the cry of the earth and the poor
- Ecological economics
- Simple lifestyle
- Ecological education
- Ecological spirituality
- Emphasis on community
Register for the Laudato Si’ Schools Scotland programme here
