RMPS (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies) (N5) (S4)

What are the aims of this course?

The main aims of the course are to enable students to develop their:

• Knowledge and understanding of the main beliefs, values and practices of selected world religions, of current moral issues in society and of the current debates taking place between religion and science
• Skills of reflection, investigation, analysis, evaluation and the ability to express their own beliefs and views in a reasoned manner.

What are the recommended entry levels for this course?

Recommended entry:

Students will normally be expected to have attained one of the following:

• National 4 RMPS
• National 4/5 English at C or above
• National 4/5 Social Subject at C or above

What content is included in this course?

There are three units of study:

Unit 1 – World Religion

In this unit you will study the key beliefs, practices and traditions found within Islam and consider the impact and significance of Islamic beliefs, practices and teachings in today’s world.

Unit 2 – Religious and Philosophical Questions 

This unit explores the relationship between religion and science in the 21st century. There will be a particular focus on the origins of the universe and life. Key scientific theories such as the Big Bang and Evolution will be examined in some detail alongside religious accounts.

Unit 3 – Morality and Belief 

This examines a number of moral issues arising from gender inequality. Key areas of study include the issues surrounding gender exploitation, gender stereotyping in the media, sexuality and same sex relationships. Responses to these issues will also be studied from both religious and secular (non-religious) perspectives.

Unit 4 – Added Value Unit

In this unit you will have the opportunity to research, in more depth, an area of the course you have a particular interest in.

What learning and teaching approaches will I experience?

You will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching approaches. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to work individually, in pairs and in small groups, you will experience teacher-led class discussions and whole class debates. You will also have the opportunity to learn using interactive technologies.

What skills will I develop?

You will develop a wide range of skills such as literacy, analysis and critical evaluation, logical thinking, problem solving, negotiating, planning, organising, researching, presenting, debating, interpreting, understanding different viewpoints, expressing opinions and beliefs in a reasoned manner.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed throughout the course via:

• Regular homework assignments
• A preliminary exam
• Course assessment will be an assignment  with a 20 mark allocation plus an external exam with an 80 mark allocation, this will  be graded A-D
• The exam will last 2 hours 20 minutes

What are the homework requirements?

You will be issued with homework on a regular basis and should expect homework once a week.

What might this course lead to in the future?

Academic Progression

In the Senior Phase, pupils who attain a qualification in RMPS at National 5 in S4 can progress to study Higher RMPS in S5 and Advanced Higher RMPS S6. Higher RMPS is accepted by all universities for general entrance into the majority of courses especially in the faculties of Arts, Social Science and Divinity.

Employment

For those considering a career which involves working with people such as teaching, youth and community work, social work, child care, journalism, publishing, police force, armed forces, nursing, medicine, counselling, catering, retail and sales, broadcasting, charities, fundraising, civil service, human resources, law, management, local government, advisory services, politics leisure and tourism or for those who wish to work abroad or in a cosmopolitan setting then RMPS will be a good stepping-stone.