Higher/N5 RMPS
DURATION
1 year /240 Hours
COURSEWORK
Assignment 27% of award
EXAM
Question Papers 73% of award
COST
no cost
What will you learn?
Unit 1: World Religion
Pupils will be involved in an in depth study of Buddhism. This will involve a detailed examination of key beliefs and practices and will involve exploration of topics within Buddhism such as, The Life of the Buddha, The Four Noble Truths, Nibbana as the end of suffering, Kamma, Meditation and the Eightfold Path.
Unit 2: Morality and Belief
Pupils will study the area called Morality, Medicine and the Human Body.
This involved the study of three linked topics:
Use of embryos: reproductive therapeutic, research
Organ donation: consent (informed; presumed), beating heart donation, living donors
End of life: assisted dying, voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia, end-of-life care
Unit 3: Religious and Philosophical Questions
Pupils will study an area of philosophy called Metaphysics. We will focus on the questions of Suffering and Evil or Origins.
Within the area of suffering and evil, pupils will consider the question "Who is responsible for suffering and evil?":
Is God responsible for suffering and evil?
What arguments are used to support God's responsibility for suffering and evil?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of these arguments?
Are humans responsible for suffering and evil?
What arguments are used to support human responsibility for suffering and evil?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of these arguments?
Can responsibility for suffering and evil lie with both God and humans?
Within the area of origins, pupils will consider the question "Was the universe and life created?":
How does religion explain the origins of the universe and of life? (with a focus on Genesis)
What evidence does religion use to support these explanations?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of evidence/explanations?
How does science explain the origins of the universe and of life? (with a focus on Big Bang and Evolution)
What evidence does science use to support these explanations?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of evidence/explanations?
Can religious and scientific views on origins be compatible?
Why do this course?
This course helps candidates to understand society. They learn about, and from, religious beliefs, non-religious viewpoints, and personal experience. By exploring how religion, morality and philosophy can help people find meaning and purpose in life, candidates develop their understanding of human beliefs, values and behaviour. Throughout the course, there are opportunities for candidates to develop literacy, personal learning and thinking skills, and a sense of responsible citizenship.
What will you experience?
A wide range of teaching strategies are used with classes, such as thinking skills, direct teaching, paired and/or group work. Work in class is supported through the use of work guides, text books, study notes, ICT and other digital media. Pupils are expected to take on responsibility for their learning.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Assessment
Knowledge and skills will be assessed in different ways, depending on the topic being studied. This will include project work and assessed work/homework. Pupils and staff will use assessment to set achievable short term targets.
End of unit assessments will also be set which will mirror the demand expected in the final exam.
There will be an assignment which will be worth 30 marks.
Final Exam Paper
Component 1 Question paper 60 marks 2 hours 15 minutes
Component 2 Question paper 20 marks 45 minutes
Component 3 Assignment 30 marks 1 hour 30 minutes (write-up)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, Humanities. However, as a guide:
A pass a the previous NQ level. i.e. for Higher, a pass at National 5
Homework
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs.
Progression and Employment
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
Progression
S5/6 Philosophy
Employment
The following is a list of career areas where RMPS and Philosophy skills may be useful:
Education, Law, Medicine, Social Work, Reporting and Media, Childcare, Policing and Ministry.
Learner Experiences
I chose RMPS because it will look good on my application to have something different and challenging.
I enjoyed discussing the controversial topics and learning a bit of philosophy.
The essay skills have helped with other subjects.