Religious & Moral Education

Staff

Miss L Hackman

Miss H Fleming

Why is RMPS important for our learners?

Scotland’s people hold a wide range of beliefs. These range from the Christian faith, to other world religions, to philosophical and non-religious beliefs. Such diversity enriches Scotland and serves as an inspiring and thought-provoking background for our learners to develop their own beliefs and values. Establishing an awareness and appreciation of different beliefs and values will assist in counteracting prejudice and intolerance, allowing our learners to develop into confident and responsible citizens.

The key skills of reflection, critical thinking and an enhanced understanding of beliefs and values are all crucial in assisting in this process.

In Short, RMPS aims to allow learners to:

  • recognise and understand religious diversity and evaluate the importance of religion in society.
  • develop respect for others and their understanding of beliefs and practices which are different from their own.
  • Ability to plan and conduct independent research, and develop investigative skills that can be used to explore the meaning and nature of life.
  • develop their beliefs, attitudes, values and practices through reflection, discovery, critical evaluation and philosophical inquiry.
  • establish a firm foundation for lifelong learning and engaging assuredly with the experiences and challenges of adult life.

In addition, through the use of differentiated approaches to learning and a variety of teaching methods, pupils are encouraged to:

  • Work effectively alone and within groups.
  • Motivate themselves and take leadership in their own learning.
  • Use resources confidently.
  • Show respect for each other and their teacher.
  • Persevere in the face of difficulties and problem solve
  • Become an effective contributor to the school community and wider society.
Beyond the classroom

The RMPS department has an established link with New Era Secondary School in Vadodara, Gujarat, India and hopes to be involved with collaborative work that aims to enrich the lives of both staff and pupils in both schools.

Dumbarton Academy and New Era staff have already made a number of reciprocal visits, which has been a privilege and a remarkably enlightening experience for all who have made the trips.

Courses

Initially, pupils are introduced to an exploration of the impact that the religion and faith has had, and continues to have on our society.

The overarching focus is on developing co-operative and higher order thinking skills and allows for smooth transition from primary; bringing together the elements taught in all of our cluster primaries. Pupils are encouraged to develop the social skills of confidently sharing their own point of view whilst respecting the opinions of others.

In subsequent years, pupils continue to develop higher order skills that prepare them for the rigours of academic success but which also establish a solid foundation for social and emotional assuredness.

S1/2 Core RMPS (CfE level 3 to 4)

S3 Core RMPS (CfE level 4)

S4/5/6 Rotation Core RMPS (CfE level 4/5)

Certificated: RMPS National 3/4/5/Higher RMPS

S1 Course

Units: What is religion?, Hinduism, Faith in Action Project.

S2 Course

Units: Judaism, Morality, Science & Religion, Slavery

S3 Course

Units: Youth & Philanthropy Initiative, Investigating a belief, Values in action.

S4 Course

Learners experience RMPS through the RMPS/SE rota and look at a selection of topical and contemporary issues.

S5/6 Course

Units: World Religion - Christianity, Religion & Conflict, Origins of Life.