RMPS

We believe Religious, Moral, and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) is an important aspect of school life that fosters religious literacy, ethical awareness, and critical thinking, which are vital to your intellectual and social development.

By exposing you to diverse belief systems and philosophical ideas in our curriculum, we aim to empower you to form your own informed opinions, voice your viewpoints, and debate issues with openness, wisdom, and empathy. RMPS invites you to grapple with profound questions of meaning, morality, and existence from multiple worldviews, as well as explore complex philosophical ideas that stretch our understanding of the world. We maintain that this conceptual analysis and inquisitive approach are invaluable lifelong skills. Ultimately, we value equipping you with the discernment, understanding, and intellectual flexibility to navigate multifaceted religious, ethical, and existential questions in modern society.

“I liked Higher RMPS because the teachers are great, they’re really understanding and helpful. The content is interesting, it’s not like any other subjects as isn’t always a set answer and you’re able to say what you think about important issues.”

“I like Higher Philosophy because we cover big questions about the nature of existence and reality.”

Curricular Choice / Course Information

Studying RMPS provides young people with the opportunity to investigate the nature and scope of religion and morality and to consider philosophical viewpoints on religious and other stances for living in the modern world. It helps them to reflect on their own life experiences and develop their personal beliefs and values. In addition they will gain knowledge and understanding of the different beliefs and values of others and the ability to express their opinions and give informed comment.

S3 BGE

BGE S1-S3

INTRODUCTION TO RMPS

  • What is Morality?
  • Does God exist?
  • Does religion make a positive contribution to society?
  • How did the universe begin?
  • What makes a person good?
  • What’s the meaning of life?

PHILOSOPHY

  • Who are you? Are you the same person you were 5 minutes ago?
  • Can computers think?
  • Are you free or is there a plan?
  • Can you know anything for sure?
  • Are human’s speciesist?
  • Is it right to lie?
  • Can miracles happen?
  • What makes a good person?

ANIMAL ETHICS

  • Is it right to eat meat?
  • Should we test cosmetics and pharmaceuticals on animals?
  • Does a farmer have a duty to care for animals and the land?
  • Should hunting be allowed?
  • How should we kill an animal?
  • Is vegetarianism or veganism a better way to live?

LIFE AFTER DEATH

  • What happens when we die?
  • How do we explain Near Death Experiences?
  • How have different cultures described the afterlife?
  • What would you want to be reincarnated as?
  • Would you want to freeze yourself?
  • Would your deeds get you into Valhalla?

MORALITY & JUSTICE

  • Who decides right/wrong, legal/illegal?
  • Why do people commit crimes? Are they individually responsible or is society, DNA, or our psychology to blame?
  • Why do we punish? What is justice?
  • What is capital punishment?
  • How is it done? Is it moral?
  • Can religion and secularism offer guidance?
  • Should we bring back the Death Penalty?

EMOTIONALISM

  • How should we love?
  • Are hate preachers following Christian compassion?
  • Can you love something too much?
  • Is it wrong to be angry?
  • How does anger affect Hindu reincarnation?
  • Should you be allowed to use hate speech?
  • Does sadness help us or limit our growth?
  • Is there a way we can measure happiness?
  • Can atheists be happy?
  • Should ‘happy substances’ be illegal?

CANCEL CULTURE

  • What is Cancel Culture? Why is it an issue?
  • How is race, gender, etc., shown in media?
  • Is it wrong to use things from other people’s culture?
  • Is it cultural appropriation or appreciation?
  • When should people lose their job for what they do or what they say, write, or tweet?
  • When should we forgive transgresses?
  • Is it wrong to shame people? Could it make the issue worse?

MEDICAL ETHICS

  • Should everyone be an organ donor?
  • Is it right to edit a child’s genes?
  • Should we use animal parts to help humans?
  • Is it right to create a twin to save another child?
  • Should the NHS pay to treat preventable conditions like heart or lung diseases?
  • Is faith healing moral? Should it be banned?
  • What can do with your own body?
  • Should medical information be confidential?

LOGIC & ARGUMENTATION

  • How can we use logic in our everyday lives?
  • What does it mean to say something is true?
  • Should we listen to experts?
  • Why do we try and exclude others?
  • How do our biases affect our decision making?
  • When are personal attacks justified?
  • Why do we jump to conclusions?
  • Are emotional arguments wrong?

ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE

  • What are BIG questions?
  • Who are you? What’s the Meaning of Life?
  • How did the universe begin?
  • What caused the universe? Random or design?
  • What makes something a ‘Great’ invention?
  • Will humans live on other planets? Do aliens exist?
  • Is there a multiverse? Are we in a computer simulation?
  • If you could travel in time to change an event what would it be? Would it be right?
  • What inspires awe and wonder in you?

MORAL INVESTIGATION

  • Which moral issue are you interested in?
  • What are the facts of the issue?
  • Why is this a moral issue? Why is it debated as an issue of right and wrong?
  • What is your opinion on the issue?
  • Explain both religious and non-religious views on the issue. Are there any organisations that support or oppose the issue?
  • Do you agree or disagree with these views?
  • Conclude with an overall opinion that is relevant, accurate, and detailed on the issue you’ve chosen.

Topics covered in S1 and S2

Assessment

In S1 and S2 RMPS a range of assessment approaches are used including:

  • Ongoing, formative, low-stakes assessments such as class quizzes, group discussions or written class work
  • End of unit assessments such as group or individual presentations, information posters or written summative assessments

Core RMPS: National 4*

Core RMPS: National 4*

Young people at Williamwood High School have the opportunity to choose to study National 5 RMPS in S3 and S4. Alternatively at the end of S2, they have the option to study RMPS as a core subject where they will cover the outcomes for National 4 RMPS, without an examination.

National 5 RMPS

National 5 RMPS

Young people at Williamwood High School have the opportunity to choose to study National 5 RMPS in S3 and S4. Alternatively at the end of S2, they have the option to study RMPS as a core subject where they will cover the outcomes for National 4 RMPS, without an examination.

Studying National 5 Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies develops your imagination and your thinking skills. You will learn about at least two of the world’s major religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism). You will examine some contemporary moral issues and religious and philosophical questions. Throughout, you will learn to express viewpoints and talk about your own faith or values.

The course comprises three areas of study.

World Religion: Buddhism

You will:

  • develop your ability to explain and comment on the meaning of sources relating to Buddhism
  • develop factual and abstract knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of Buddhism today through studying some key beliefs, practices and sources.

Morality and Belief: Justice

You will:

  • develop skills to explain and express reasoned views about moral questions and responses surrounding crime and punishment
  • develop detailed, factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of moral questions and religious and non-religious responses to crime and punishment.

Religious and Philosophical Question: Suffering and Evil

You will:

  • develop skills to analyse and evaluate whether the problem of suffering and evil disproves the existence of God.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment has two components totalling 100 marks:

  • Component 1: question paper – worth 80 marks
  • Component 2: assignment – worth 20 marks.

For the assignment component, you will be asked to choose and research an issue or topic drawn from a religious, moral or philosophical context, and produce evidence on your findings. The assignment component will be set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The question paper will be set and externally marked by SQA.

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Higher RMPS

Higher RMPS

Higher RMPS is available to study in S5 and S6.

The course consists of three areas of study.

World religion: Buddhism

You will:

  • develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of Buddhism today
  • study key beliefs and practices of Buddhism and the contribution these make to the lives of followers.

Morality and belief: Justice

You will:

  • learn how to evaluate and express detailed, reasoned and well-structured views about contemporary moral questions and responses to crime and punishment.
  • develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of contemporary moral questions, and religious and non-religious responses to crime and punishment.
  • study religious and non-religious responses to issues surround crime and punishment.

Religious and philosophical questions

You will:

  • develop skills to critically analyse religious and non-religious arguments surrounding the existence of God
  • study religious viewpoints from one of the world’s six major religions.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment has three components totalling 110 marks:

  • Component 1: question paper 1 – worth 60 marks (consisting of two sections worth 30 marks each: section 1 World religion, and section 2  Morality and belief)
  • Component 2: question paper 2 – worth 20 marks
  • Component 3: assignment – worth 30 marks.

Advanced Higher RMPS

Advanced Higher RMPS

What will I study?

There are three areas of study to choose from. One mandatory and one optional.

Philosophy of Religion

You will:

  • develop skills to critically evaluate a range of complex issues arising from the philosophy of religion
  • develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of key arguments and responses to them.

Medical Ethics 

You will:

  • develop skills to critically evaluate a range of complex issues involving medical ethics such as assisted dying, organ donation and treatment and use of embryos
  • develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the issues and religious and other responses, including the philosophical reasoning behind these responses.

How will I be assessed?

Course assessment

The course assessment consists of two components totalling 140 marks:

  • Component 1 – Question paper (90 marks)
  • Component 2 – Project: Dissertation (50 marks).

For the project you will carry out independent research and produce a 3,000 – 4,000 word dissertation on a religious, moral or philosophical question or issue.

Both the question paper and the project are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Higher Philosophy *

Higher Philosophy *

Question paper 1 60 marks

Question paper 1 has two sections that sample from the following two areas of study: knowledge and doubt; moral philosophy. The questions in each section relate to the relevant content listed in the ‘Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course assessment’ section.

1: knowledge and doubt — 30 marks Candidates produce an essay on Descartes or Hume. Candidates do not have a choice of question in this section.

Section 2: moral philosophy — 30 marks Candidates produce an essay in which they apply a moral theory to a given situation, or respond to a quotation. Candidates have a choice of two questions in this section. This question paper has 60 marks out of a total of 110 marks for the course assessment.

Setting, conducting and marking question paper 1 This question paper is set and marked by SQA, and conducted in centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA. Candidates have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete this question paper.

Question paper 2 50 marks

Question paper 2 has three sections. Each section samples from one of the three areas of study. The questions in each section relate to the content listed in the ‘Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course assessment’ section.

Section 1: arguments in action – 30 marks The questions have a mark range of 1–6 marks.

Section 2: knowledge and doubt – 10 marks The questions have a mark range of 1–6 marks, and focus on the fine detail of the prescribed texts.

Section 3: moral philosophy – 10 marks The questions have a mark range of 1–6 marks, and focus on the fine detail of this area of study. This question paper has 50 marks out of a total of 110 marks for the course assessment. Setting, conducting and marking question paper 2

This question paper is set and marked by SQA, and conducted in centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA. Candidates have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete this question paper.

Success and Achievement

WHAT IS SUCCESS?

Success for RMPS students means that each question explored, and every argument dissected holds the potential to shape their understanding of the world and their place within it. Successful students don’t settle for incomplete answers or superficial understanding. Every view is considered; every challenge is welcomed. Success is more than your qualifications; it’s the intrinsic motivation to improve. This philosophy empowers you to shape your own destiny with knowledge, skills, and unwavering determination.

  • Always try to improve and learn.
  • Don’t settle for superficial answers.
  • Stay motivated to shape your future.

 

House Points **

Skills for Life, Learning and work

The skills young people learn within RMPS are valuable in a wide range of careers, and provide a valuable contribution to their personal, social and intellectual development.

RMPS is particularly relevant to a number of career pathways including:

  • Arts, social sciences and languages
  • Information, culture and heritage
  • Law
  • Social, caring and advisory services

INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

An ambitious RMPS student is motivated by intellectual curiosity and the relentless pursuit of wisdom. They passionately seek to unravel the intricacies of the human condition, seeing intricate questions of religion, morality, and philosophy as opportunities for profound insights. This insatiable thirst for knowledge drives them to delve deeper, question tirelessly, and drives the conversation to elevate the RMPS learning experience, inspiring a collective quest for wisdom.

  • Be curious and ask lots of questions.
  • Explore big ideas and seek wisdom.
  • Inspire others to learn and think deeply.

MORAL COURAGE

MORAL COURAGE

Ambition can be seen in RMPS when students defend their beliefs with conviction. They excel in the art of debate, mastering verbal dexterity to strengthen their ability to articulate nuanced arguments, stand firm in reasoned principles. Skilled debate accelerates literacy and sharpens morally courageous thought. Equipped with principled reasoning and, RMPS students contribute meaningfully to the marketplace of ideas as emerging leaders of moral courage.

  • Stand up for your beliefs with courage.
  • Be skilled in debating and arguing your point.
  • Use your communication skills for good.

EMPATHETIC LISTENING

EMPATHETIC LISTENING

Students understand the profound role of respectful listening. It goes beyond just hearing words; it’s about actively engaging with their peers to genuinely comprehend diverse viewpoints. This form of listening recognises the personhood and humanity of every individual, promoting open dialogue and cultivating a profound sense of respect that values each person’s contribution. In the RMPS learning environment, Empathetic Listening fosters a culture of respect, unity, and appreciation, where all voices are celebrated and valued, regardless of their beliefs or identity.

  • Be a good listener.
  • Try to really understand what others are saying.
  • Show that you care about their feelings and thoughts.
  • Treat everyone’s ideas with respect.

RESPECTFUL QUESTIONING

RESPECTFUL QUESTIONING

RMPS students embody respect as a core value. They respect themselves by valuing their effort, maintaining punctuality, and presenting their work with pride. They extend this respect to their classmates by recognising their intrinsic worth, actively listening, and demonstrating kindness. Moreover, they value their teacher’s dedication in providing interesting, relevant, and challenging lessons. Beyond the classroom, they respect their community and the world they live in, fostering a harmonious and compassionate ethos.

  • Question with empathy, seeking to understand without judgment.
  • Listen attentively to peers, value their diverse perspectives.
  • Foster an environment where questions lead to meaningful conversations.

CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT

CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT

Within the RMPS classroom, differences of opinion and beliefs are valued as opportunities for mutual understanding. Students embody respect, open-mindedness and integrity when engaging in difficult dialogues. They listen to understand, find common ground, and have courageous conversations with empathy. Conflicts are resolved through compassionate truth-telling and common understanding. Students uplift one another even in disagreement, strengthening bonds. Respectful conflict resolution creates space for growth, reconciliation, and collaborative meaning-making on complex issues.

  • Seek to understand, not just be understood, when disagreements arise.
  • Find common ground and reconcile differences with empathy.
  • Remain open-minded to learn from opposing views.

INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING

INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING

RMPS students embrace a holistic approach to learning, actively seeking connections between RMPS and their other subjects. This multidimensional thinking equips them to engage in meaningful discourse, elevating their understanding across all their subject areas. Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective allows students to work efficiently, recognising the profound interplay of ideas and disciplines that span human knowledge.

  • Connect ideas from different subjects.
  • See how different topics relate to each other.
  • Be a well-rounded learner.

INCLUSIVITY

INCLUSIVITY

Within the RMPS classroom, students recognise the profound role of language in shaping our identities. Language is not merely a tool for communication but a powerful force that influences how we perceive ourselves and others. Kindness in inclusive language creates an environment where every individual, regardless of their beliefs or identity, experiences respect, value, and celebration, fostering a sense of belonging for all.

  • Use words that make everyone feel welcome and valued.
  • Be aware that words can affect how people see themselves.
  • Create an environment where everyone feels like they belong.

RESPECT IN ACTION

RESPECT IN ACTION

RMPS students embody respect as a core value. They respect themselves by valuing their effort, maintaining punctuality, and presenting their work with pride. They extend this respect to their classmates by recognising their intrinsic worth, actively listening, and demonstrating kindness. Moreover, they value their teacher’s dedication in providing interesting, relevant, and challenging lessons. Beyond the classroom, they respect their community and the world they live in, fostering a harmonious and compassionate ethos.

  • Take pride in your work, be punctual, and recognise their own worth and potential.
  • Respect your peers by listening attentively, valuing diverse perspectives.
  • Appreciate teachers’ effort and dedication. Actively engage in your lesson content.
  • Contribute positively by upholding values.