A free teaching toolkit for lessons on the Catholic Church’s approach to ecology has been re-launched by St Mary’s University, Twickenham, ahead of Laudato Si’ Week from 24-31 May.
The Laudato Si’ Champions Project at St Mary’s University, is providing a ready-made, six-lesson toolkit which gives all educators everything they need to explore the intersection of Catholicism and ecology with students of all ages.
At the heart of the toolkit is the concept of integral ecology, developed by Pope Francis in 2015 in his encyclical Laudato Si’. Pope Francis refers to the idea that human activity and the natural world are deeply connected, and that, consequently, care for creation and care for humanity are inseparable.
The toolkit includes:
- six presentations and worksheets
- guidance for teachers
- student workbook
- key terms sheet
- a certificate for students
The resources have been successfully trialled in a variety of settings - from twelve 30-minute sessions in a weekly eco-committee at lunchtime to three two-hour sessions in timetabled Religious Education lessons.
Download the toolkit
Proven Impact on Students
The toolkit was developed following a one-year pilot programme of teaching and learning delivered to 225 students in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Salford, and was refined both pedagogically and theologically, with the help of the project’s advisory board.
A 2022 survey showed that 67% of Catholic secondary school students had not previously heard of Laudato Si’. The results showed a significant improvement in student understanding of the Catholic Church teaching on ecology (98%) after engaging with the toolkit, as well as:
- An increased sense of responsibility to care for creation increased from 44% to 76%
- Confidence in understanding of climate change rose from 42% to 80%
- Students conveyed a stronger conviction that their actions contributed to addressing climate change.
The Laudato Si’ Champions toolkit has been designed to align with the requirements of the Catholic Schools Inspectorate’s National Framework and the guidance of the Religious Education Directory.
Laudato Si’ Champions is a workstream of the Guardians of Creation Project – an interdisciplinary research programme between the Diocese of Salford and St Mary’s University to investigate paths for sustainable and ecologically sensitive change in the Catholic Church.
To access the free toolkit, visit the St Mary's University website or email the Guardians of Creation Team at gocp@stmarys.ac.uk
“Addressing the climate crisis is one of young people’s top priorities. The Laudato Si’ Champions toolkit speaks directly to students’ ecological concerns, enabling teachers to educate and empower their pupils with the help of Catholic Social Teaching.”
Dr Jakub Kowalewski, Senior Laudato Si’ Research Fellow, St Mary’s University, Twickenham
“This evidence-based approach to helping young people make the connection between their own agency and the environment will be instrumental in their building of hope and resilience around the ecological crisis.”
Dr Roland Daw, Research Lead, The Guardians of Creation Project, St Mary’s University, Twickenham
“We were delighted to be involved in the Laudato Si' Champions project, working closely with St Mary’s University and our pilot schools. I have seen first-hand the impact the resources have had on schools and have heard from students directly on the positive experience they had.”
Dr Emma Gardner, Head of Environment, Diocese of Salford
“The publication of the Laudato Si’ toolkit for educators ought to be warmly welcomed by Catholic schools in England and Wales. For busy teachers this toolkit is a gift because it is in effect an ‘off the shelf’ ready to use set of lesson resources. Once discovered, many outside of Catholic schools are likely to embrace this toolkit as a fruitful way of opening up the lessons on why we should care for our planet.”
Dr Sean Whittle, Senior Lecturer in Catholic Education, St Mary’s University, Twickenham
“The Laudato Si resources are invaluable for Catholic schools in all phases and sectors as they strive to implement Laudato Si’ in their own context.”
Dr Mary Mihovilović, Associate Professor, The Centre for Catholic Education, Research and Religious Literacy, St Mary’s University, Twickenham
“The cross-curricular opportunities for children to study and learn about the global climate crisis and its consequences are abundant and critical to the future health and efficacy of the planet. The adaptability of the resources for children with learning needs and children with English as an additional language make this programme accessible for all.”
Dr Louise McGowan, Headteacher, St Claudine's Catholic School for Girls, London
"A rigorous set of resources, clearly created with care, placing love and compassion at the heart of sustainability education."
Dr Mary Woolley, Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education, Canterbury Christ Church University
“The Guardians of Creation team have produced a carefully researched and beautifully presented selection of resources. As Pope Francis said: “to be a teacher is to live a mission.” The Laudato Si’ Champions toolkit will provide invaluable support and guidance to anyone who engaged in this mission.”
Dr Aidan Cottrell-Boyce, Tutor in Social and Environmental Justice, London Jesuit Centre
