Department

Care for our Common Home

R.E

In Year 10 pupils learn about stewardship, the importance of caring for the environment, the work of CAFOD and sustainability. Pupils also learn about the sacramental view of reality in incarnation which reminds them about the sacredness of the entirety of reality and the physical realm. In Cosmic Reconciliation pupils learn that at the end of time our common home will be reconciled and everything will be brought back into perfect harmony as it was intended. As Julian of Norwich prophesied ‘All will be well’.

In Religion, Peace and Conflict pupils learn about the consequences of warfare (Especially the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction-chemical weapons-these use chemicals to harm humans and destroy the natural environment-biological weapons-these use living organisms to cause disease or death) on our common home. The death, disease, displacement and destruction it brings.

In Religion Human Rights and Social Justice, pupils are reminded of the work of Cafod and how they tackle poverty created by the destruction of our Common home and how all can be stewards of wealth in helping look after those who are vulnerable and affected by the destruction of our Common Home.

In Judaism pupils learn about the Key moral Principle –Healing the world- They learn about ways of taking actions to help God’s work sustaining the world. They learn that Jews learn to heal the world by contributing to social justice or helping protect the environment.

English

Rights and respect for our environment, our lives and our future generations are all themes covered in the reading programmes and exposure to literature as well as its context and background. Many texts clearly point to a dystopian future given the current rate of pollution and waste which needs to counter balanced to the faith filled and hopeful message of the Old and New Testament.

Maths

One of the critical factors of maths in our daily life is it establishes problem-solving abilities in people. We become more thinkers and intellectuals by solving math problems. This way, we can become better reasoners and thinkers to solve the issues of our life

Science

Many facets of Science address the importance of our Common Home, The Earth, and how we can preserve it for future generations. In both the Chemistry and Physics students learn about the impact of our energy consumption on the planet. Throughout KS3 to KS5 students should be able to articulate the impact of both renewable and non-renewable energy resources on our planet. We also look at what a carbon footprint is and ways to reduce our own.

History

In History, we look at our Common Home and we examine how we have come to not only build a place for the better but also events that have led to destruction and devastation. In History, students not only study the major historical wars such as World War 1 and 2 and the devastation war has on our home (the Battlefields and the dropping of the Nuclear bomb) but in year, 7 students study the Romans and medical development. In year 7 and 10 students study Normanisation of England (Domesday Book; changes to the Church); CW: consequences of CMC

Geography

In Geography we  Care for God’s Creation by studying:

Students build an awareness and awe of our coastal landforms. There are evaluations of coastal protection strategies and how we can protect our natural landscapes.

Students gain an awareness of the variety of valuable rock types across the globe. Students evaluate the impact of human exploitation of resources and mining upon the Earth’s environment.

This theme explores animal adaptations and the creatures of the Earth in unique ecosystems. Students are taught about how human interaction is disrupting the biodiversity and steps that can be taken to protect it.

Students are aware of the location of our physical land and oceans so that they can respect the themes we learn about throughout their journey.

Awareness of natural landforms in Asia, building upon knowledge given in Year 7. Appreciation and protection of natural features addressed.

Appreciation and awe for the magnitude of natural environments and the changing landscape due to human interaction.

Analysis of hard and soft engineering strategies for protection of the Earth from erosion so that humans can use and appreciate the land in a sustainable manner.

Students analyse human uses of natural resources and the strategies in place to protect and manage the biomes. There are debates between economical gain versus environmental sustainability.

Students study the Amazon Rainforest and the impacts of human development upon the water and carbon cycle, which could lead to impacts such as flooding. Students evaluate strategies to protect the ecosystem.

French

In French students learn about caring from our common home when discussing about the environment. Students at Key Stage 4 learn about the pros and cons of the city as well as protecting the environment.

At Key Stage 5 students learn about a culture that is proud of its heritage as well as La Belle époque.

Spanish

In Spanish students learn about caring from our common home when discussing about the environment. Students at Key Stage 3 learn about the Natural wonders of the Spanish-speaking world/ Students explore visiting a Spanish city as well discussing about climate change.

At Key stage 5 students examine the pros and cons of the city and Global issues.

PSHE

At KS5, Pupils Identify the effects of climate change and what global warming means for our environment. They identify why progress is so slow in halting climate change.

Pupils have the opportunity to analyse what the main issues are that are stopping us from tackling climate change. Explaining in detail why this is happening and how some governments are taking measures to stop this.

P.E

Our common home is the foundation for lots of sports and looking after it maintains the safety of all who are physically active. We get to appreciate our home as a place of never-ending physical activity if we have no other choice. Theory PE looks at how rural and urbanised areas of our common home started the development of different sports

Art

In year eight students explore insects and butterflies, the awe and wonder of creation and their habitats are considered. Year nine students look at the common home in a perspective. With opportunities to discuss how this would look in the digital world.

Technology

In D+T pupils always consider caring for our common home and Gods creation. Pupils learn about and consider Sustainable design, The use of resources and environmental impact is considered across all Key stages. Discussions and practical ideas for encouraging recycling and use of existing products to create new ones are key in projects at all key stages.

In Food lessons pupils discuss seasonality and using the food provided by Gods’ creation, when considering how to eat and make sustainable food choices. Students are encouraged to prepare and cook healthy and nutritious food suitable for a healthy family.

Drama

Within drama students participate in schemes of work based around war. This teaches them the importance of where you come from and your family life and society around you at times of crisis. At KS 4 there are many opportunities within devised or scripted work that encourage the students to look at the importance of home and community.

Music

Through genres such as impressionism, folk, film music and video game music, our students explore the different ways music can represent a feeling, a place or situation. Students perform and compose pieces of music which explore these themes as well as listening and writing about these musical features

Business and Economics

Our Common Home is emphasised in Business and Economics when students learn about Demand and supply, Producer and consumer surplus, minimum wages and human rights for all. Learning the importance of a better society for all ensures that students understand why it is important to have a safe environment through recycling, reuse and reduce and a common home.

Law

Students in Law learn about our Common Home when examining the rights of the individual both in substantive and non-substantive law. Students examine the Right to life and Environmental Law surrounding this.

Psychology

Our Common Home is discussed Year 12+13 in psychology when we examine ethical issue in Animal Research (Attachment, Approaches, Issues and Debates, Biopsychology and Aggression)