Higher RMPS

Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, RMPS is an important academic subject which delivers  a broad range of vital skills which will benefit learners in all subjects and also in the important decisions in daily life into adulthood. 

Learners look out onto a broad variety of interpretations of the human experience, as well as looking at the development of their own character. Learners will tackle important moral, religious and philosophical questions. Learners are equipped with critical thinking skills, constructing arguments, questioning ideas and debating. These are all skills which are essential in learning, life and employment. 

Pupils will study three units:

1. World Religion

Religion: Jewish beliefs and practices

Explore what Jews believe about God, about human beings, what our purpose is in living. How do Jews live out their beliefs on a day-to-day basis? What do key festivals symbolise?

2. Morality & Belief: Gender and Relationships

The morality unit allows pupils to firstly explore the ways in which people make moral decisions. Morality and Conflict

Can war ever be justified? What about the consequences for people, animals, the environment? Are there good alternatives to war? Should certain weapons be prohibited?

3. Religious and Philosophical Questions: Origins

Where did the universe come from? And what are the origins of life? Did God have a role in all this? Or was it the Big Bang and Evolution? Maybe a mixture of religion and science?

Higher RMPS focuses on three main skills:

•Knowledge and Understanding

•Analysis

•Evaluation

These skills are part of a wider skill set addressing:

•Critical Thinking​​

•Self-reflection ​

•Discussion​

•Debate​

•Research​​

•Investigation​​

•Judgment making​

Highly regarded for further study in the arts and humanities as well as the sciences, these skills are also welcomed by employers seeking creative and critical individuals.

The RMPS exam will assess knowledge, analysis and evaluation skills and is worth 73% of the total mark for this course. Pupils will answer questions on all three units in this exam. Paper 1 will include questions which assess World Religion and Morality, and will be worth a total of 30 marks per unit. Paper 2 will assess Religious and Philosophical Questions and will comprise of one essay worth 20 marks.

In addition, pupils must research a religious, moral or philosophical topic and complete a piece of coursework on this. This assignment essay will be written up in exam conditions in one hour 30 minutes and will be worth 27% of the overall mark.