RMPS

Languages and RME Department

The purpose of the RMPS course, at all National and Higher levels, is to provide you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the modern world in which we live.

It helps you to reflect on your own life experiences and to develop your own beliefs and values. In addition, you will gain knowledge and understanding of the different beliefs and values of others and the ability to express your own opinions and to provide informed comments. RMPS also provokes challenging questions concerning the ultimate meaning of life; how we make moral decisions; the existence of God; and lots more, which will allow class discussions to take place – and it is always really interesting to find out what different people think!

The course provides pupils with the opportunity to develop and extend a wide range of skills which are transferable to other areas of study. The skills you learn in this course are also valuable in a wide range of careers, and contribute to your personal and social development:

Literacy
Critical thinking
Discussion
Debating
Analysing (showing the strengths, weaknesses, and consequences of different viewpoints)
Evaluating (making a judgement and justifying your opinion with evidence)

Assessment

National 3 and National 4

There is no final exam at National 3 or 4 level. Pupils’ work will be assessed by their teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. There will be an assessment at the end of each unit – all assessments are open book (can be completed with support notes).

Pupils will have the opportunity to demonstrate that they have achieved the required standard for each topic by completing different tasks in class.

At National 4 level, pupils are also required to complete an Added Value Unit which involves applying their skills to investigate a chosen topic.

National 5

There is a final exam at National 5 level. Pupils will also complete an assignment, which counts for 20% of the overall course grade. The assignment allows pupils to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of religious, moral, and philosophical issues in a structured, independent way. It requires pupils to research and write a focused piece of work on a topic related to RMPS, drawing on different viewpoints and considering ethical, philosophical, or religious perspectives.

At National level pupils study:

World Religion: Islam
Morality and Belief: Morality, Medicine, and the Human Body
Religious and Philosophical Questions: The Problem of Evil and Suffering

Higher

The Higher RMPS course is assessed in two ways:

Assignment: This is a 30-mark essay, worth over 25% of the final course grade, for which pupils explore a specific topic in depth.
Final Exam: The exam tests pupils’ knowledge of the different topics studied – pupils are also asked to explain and evaluate viewpoints and ideas.

At Higher level you will study:

World Religion: Christianity
Morality and Belief: Morality and Justice
Religious and Philosophical Questions: Existence of God

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for RMPS would be someone who is on track to achieve a National 5 in English. They may also have an interest in exploring diverse viewpoints, asking big questions about life, morality, and society, and engaging in thoughtful discussions. Pupils who are open-minded, empathetic, and curious about the world would be likely to succeed and enjoy this subject.

RMPS learners visiting the Glasgow Central Mosque - still smiling despite the typical weegie weather!

What you will learn

There are three compulsory units at each level:

World Religion
Morality and Belief
Religious and Philosophical Questions

World Religion

Pupils will learn about the impact and significance of religion today by studying the key beliefs, practices, and sources of one of the world’s six major religions.

Pupils will develop an understanding of religion’s contribution to society and to the lives of religious followers.

Morality and Belief

The aim of this unit is to evaluate and express reasoned and well-structured viewpoints about contemporary moral questions and responses.

Pupils will explore both religious and non-religious belief groups – and will be able to make a judgement on who makes the most convincing arguments.

Religious and Philosophical Questions

This section is designed to help pupils explore and critically engage with some of the big questions that have shaped human thought and belief over time. These questions are often related to ethics; the meaning of life; and the existence of God. They encourage pupils to think deeply about different perspectives and to develop their own informed opinions.

Further Pathways

There are many courses where RMPS is either a requirement or an asset:

· History

· Law

· Medicine

· Philosophy

· Politics

· Psychology

· Social Sciences

· Social Work

· Teaching

· Divinity / Theology

Careers

Education (Teacher / Lecturer)
Social Work / Youth Worker
Journalism
Law / Criminal Justice
National and Local Government
Charity – voluntary and non-profit organisations
NHS
PR, Advertising, Sales and Marketing
Counselling

Did you know?

In RMPS courses, pupils are not taught what to think but how to think. Knowing that some problems have multiple solutions—or no solution—is an important skill, and employers recognise the value of hiring people who know how to ask the right questions, analyse issues from many points of view, and assess pros and cons.

Feedback from previous RMPS students:

What do you like about RMPS?

“I like that it’s a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere to share views and opinions. I also feel that I am improving my communication and literacy skills. Next year I am applying to study medicine at University.”

“I really enjoy the course work, topics, and developing a broader view of the world. The skills that I am developing are open-mindedness and good debating skills. I want to pursue a career in politics and so I hope to go to University to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics.”