Higher RMPS

Welcome to the National Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies Course!



In Higher RMPS we study a range of religious, moral and philosophical issues. This means that we will be looking at Christianity for the world religion unit, Morality and Justice for the morality unit and finally we will look at Origins for the philosophical unit.


At the end of the year you will have an exam worth 80 marks.

During class you will also complete an assignment worth 30 marks.


Units:

At Higher level, we study the following three units. The first three units are typically assessed through a final SQA exam and are together worth 73% of the pupil's final grade.

  1. World Religion: Christianity

  2. Morality and Belief: Morality and Justice

  3. Religious and Philosophical Questions: Origins

  4. The Assignment (27% of final grade)

Unit 1 Christianity

In this unit we will cover the following:

Beliefs

  • beliefs about God

  • nature of human beings: free will; sin; stewards

  • beliefs about Jesus

  • judgement; Heaven and Hell

Practices

  • living according to the Gospels

  • Christian action; the Christian community

  • worship: prayer; Eucharist.

Unit 2 Morality and Justice

In this unit we will cover the following:

Causes of crime

  • environmental influences

  • psychological factors

Purposes of punishment

  • reformation

  • retribution

  • protection

  • deterrence

Responses to crime

  • custodial sentences

  • non-custodial sentences

  • capital punishment

Unit 3 Origins

In this unit we will cover the following:

Was the universe and life created?

  • How does religion explain the origins of the universe and of life?

  • 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?

  • 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?

Unit 4: The Assignment

In this unit, pupils independently research an religious moral or philosophical issue that interests them. The idea is that throughout the year, they will have had some idea of which area interests them the most, and can thus pick a topic or issue to research that they feel passionate about! In this unit, pupils practice and develop skills such as researching, explaining, analysing, evaluating, ICT skills, gathering data, comparing sources/arguments and making conclusions. The assignment is worth 27% of their final grade.



Course Assessment

Usually, Higher pupils would sit 2 question papers (worth 73% of final grade) and an Assignment (worth 27% of final grade). This year (2021) exams have been cancelled, so we are focused on gathering evidence of all pupil work through continuous summative assessments. Depending on the circumstances in the next academic year (2021-2022), we will assess accordingly. Nevertheless, regardless of what happens, we prepare the pupils for any type of assessment throughout the year through continuous formative (e.g. quizzes, peer assessment, active learning) and summative (e.g. essays and skills and a prelim) assessments with detailed feedback, support and help to improve and progress throughout the course.


Career Pathways and Skills

RMPS helps pupils develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of religion today. Pupils develop the skills to evaluate and express detailed, reasoned and well-structured views about contemporary moral questions and responses. As well as they develop skills to critically analyse religious and philosophical questions and responses.

Skills for life and work

Higher RMPS helps pupils develop important skills that are required in many workplaces, such as being able to critically evaluate information, and communicating important issues through writing and discussion. Together, the knowledge pupils acquire and the skills they develop will allow them to become a more informed individual and prepare them to participate more effectively in society in a more tolerant and responsible manner. Below are just some of the career paths pupils can take after studying RMPS.

Career Pathways:

  • Advocate

  • Community development worker

  • Healthcare and social services

  • Counselling psychologist

  • Diplomatic service officer

  • Forensic psychologist

  • Local government officer

  • Travel and tourism

  • Childcare

  • Uniformed public services

  • Legal studies