In a momentous occasion for Catholic schools across England and Wales, 100 schools have now achieved the LiveSimply Award. 

A third of which – 33 – are schools of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
 
The LiveSimply Award, championed by CAFOD, the Catholic international development charity, recognises schools and parishes that pledge to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities. 

This accomplishment is a testament to the commitment and dedication of over 30,000 pupils in primary and secondary schools across England and Wales.  

The award-winning primary and secondary schools across the Archdiocese of Birmingham are listed in full below.

These schools have embraced a holistic approach to live simply and the pupils demonstrated their commitment through a range of activities, including but not limited to:  
•    creating prayer gardens and celebrating peace days 
•    visiting and forging strong links with local care homes 
•    supporting foodbanks and homeless shelters
•    campaigning and taking action to speak out against global injustice 
•    introducing Fairtrade initiatives at school and participating in CAFOD’s ‘Big Lent Walk’. 

The LiveSimply Award is deeply rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si’ and encourages personal transformation. Pupils learn not only about the actions they undertake but also understand the reasons behind them, the impact they have and how faith inspires their involvement. 

Almost all of the 240 schools across the Archdiocese of Birmingham have now signed up to take part in LiveSimply.

Siobhan Farnell, CAFOD’s LiveSimply for Schools Coordinator, expressed her excitement, stating: 

“We’re thrilled that 100 schools have now achieved the LiveSimply Award. Congratulations and well done to all the schools who have achieved this and to everyone who has supported them along their journey.” 
 
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Birkdale, paved the way by becoming the first school to achieve the award in October 2017.

Interest in the award surged in recent years, with over 100,000 pupils currently working towards the LiveSimply Award across 20 dioceses in England and Wales. 
 
The living sustainably element focuses on actions that steward our planet, including schemes promoting reduction, reuse, and recycling. Pupils have actively engaged in environmentally conscious practices, such as walking and cycling to school, creating allotments, and participating in community clean-up initiatives. 
 
While the living simply element is a chance to slow down, spend more time in prayer and reflection, spend time in nature and quality time with others – putting the electronic gadgets away and really engaging with people around them. 
 
The inclusive nature of the award has led to strengthened community ties, with parents, families, local parishioners, businesses, MPs, governors, and councillors actively participating. 

David Harris, Adviser for Catholic Education (Primary) at Birmingham Diocesan Education Service said: 

“The LiveSimply award has been well received by Primary and Secondary schools within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Children have been enthused and inspired to live out Catholic Social Teaching through living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others.”  

The award-winning primary and secondary schools across the Archdiocese of Birmingham are:

St Thomas More, Bilston, West Midlands
St Filumena’s, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent
Our Lady of Lourdes, Birmingham
St Anne’s, Birmingham
St John Fisher, Newcastle-under-Lyme
St Joseph’s, Dudley
SS Peter and Paul, Lichfield
St Augustine’s, Coventry
St Peter’s, Birmingham
Christ the King, Coventry
St Mary’s, Leek
SS Peter and Paul, Coventry
Cardinal Wiseman, Birmingham
Our Lady of the Wayside, Birmingham
SS Peter and Paul, Wolverhampton
St Mary’s, Birmingham
Our Lady and St Kenelm, Halesowen
St Brigid’s, Birmingham
St James’, Rednal, Birmingham
St Mary of the Angels, Walsall
St John Fisher, Coventry
St Gerard’s, Birmingham
St Columba’s, Rednal, Birmingham
St George and St Martin, Birched Head, Stoke-on-Trent
St Gabriel’s, Tamworth
Corpus Christi, Wolverhampton
St Patrick’s, Coventry
St Dominic’s, Stone
Corpus Christi, Stechford, Birmingham
SS John and Monica, Moseley, Birmingham
St Joseph, Malvern, Worcestershire
St Bernard’s, Birmingham
St Bernadette’s, Yardley, Birmingham

All Catholic schools and colleges within England and Wales are invited to join the LiveSimply movement

Find more resources and news on Caring for Creation on our environment page

Environment | Birmingham Diocesan Trust

Main photograph: St Patrick's, Coventry

Cardinal Wiseman, Birmingham

St Joseph's, Malvern