Latest News 100 schools nationwide achieve LiveSimply Award championed by CAFOD 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 MidlandsSt Filumena’s, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-TrentOur Lady of Lourdes, BirminghamSt Anne’s, BirminghamSt John Fisher, Newcastle-under-LymeSt Joseph’s, DudleySS Peter and Paul, LichfieldSt Augustine’s, CoventrySt Peter’s, BirminghamChrist the King, CoventrySt Mary’s, LeekSS Peter and Paul, CoventryCardinal Wiseman, BirminghamOur Lady of the Wayside, BirminghamSS Peter and Paul, WolverhamptonSt Mary’s, BirminghamOur Lady and St Kenelm, HalesowenSt Brigid’s, BirminghamSt James’, Rednal, BirminghamSt Mary of the Angels, WalsallSt John Fisher, CoventrySt Gerard’s, BirminghamSt Columba’s, Rednal, BirminghamSt George and St Martin, Birched Head, Stoke-on-TrentSt Gabriel’s, TamworthCorpus Christi, WolverhamptonSt Patrick’s, CoventrySt Dominic’s, StoneCorpus Christi, Stechford, BirminghamSS John and Monica, Moseley, BirminghamSt Joseph, Malvern, WorcestershireSt Bernard’s, BirminghamSt 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 Manage Cookie Preferences