Senior Phase - RMPS National 4/National 5

 

Purpose

The National 4/5 Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies Course enables learners to investigate and explain religious, moral and philosophical questions and responses, make comparisons, and develop the ability to express detailed and reasoned views.

 

Content

The following three units are studied at both National 4 and 5 levels:

 

World Religion – Islam

In this unit, learners will develop skills to explain and comment on the meaning and context of sources related to Islam. They will develop detailed factual and abstract knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of Islam today through studying some key beliefs, practices and sources.

 

Morality and Belief – Medicine and the Human Body

In this unit, learners will develop skills to explain and express reasoned views about Euthanasia and Genetic Engineering. They will develop detailed factual and theoretical understanding of these moral issues and will explore various responses to them, including religious and philosophical perspectives.

 

Religious and Philosophical Questions – Existence of God

In this unit, learners will develop skills to analyse religious and non-religious responses to the Existence of God(s).

 

Recommended Entry

S3 Pupils

National 4 Level: Pupils should be Consolidating at Level 3 by the end of S3 in the BGE to gain entry.

National 5 Level: Pupils should be Consolidating at Level 4 by the end of S3 in the BGE to gain entry.

 

S5/6 Pupils

National 4 Level: National 4 pass in English or Social Subject.

National 5 Level: National 5 pass in English or Social Subject.

Pupils are welcome to take a crash course in the subject if they have not taken it as a certificated subject before. This will be at the discretion of the department.

 

Assessment

All three units are internally assessed on a pass/fail basis where students are expected to meet the minimum requirements of all the assessment standards.

 

Added Value Units (National 4) and Assignments (National 5) will be completed by creating a piece of work based on a Religious, Moral or Philosophical Question of the candidate’s choice and will externally marked by the SQA. National 5 pupils will undertake the Assignment under exam conditions and will have an hour to write an essay addressing their chosen question.

 

National 5 pupils will also sit an external written exam to assess knowledge and understanding and analysis and evaluation skills.

 

Grading

National 4: Pass or Fail

National 5: Grades A-D

 

Progression

National 4 pupils who pass can progress to National 5 RMPS and National 5 pupils who gain A-C grades can progress to Higher RMPS.

 

Trips/Activities

Visit to Glasgow Mosque

Senior Phase - RMPS Higher

Purpose

The Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies Course enables learners to investigate, critically analyse and evaluate religious, moral and philosophical questions and responses, and to develop the ability to express detailed, reasoned and well-structured views.

 

Content

The following three units are studied at Higher Level:

 

World Religion - Buddhism

In this unit, learners will develop in-depth factual and abstract knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of Buddhism today through studying some key beliefs, practices and sources. Learners will also develop the appropriate skills to explain and comment on the meaning and context of sources studied.

 

Morality and Belief – Medicine and the Human Body

In this unit, learners will evaluate and express reasoned and well-structured views about Euthanasia, Organ Donation and Genetic Engineering. Learners will also develop in-depth factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of these moral issues and will explore various responses to them, including religious and philosophical perspectives.

 

Religious and Philosophical Questions – The Problem of Evil and Suffering

In the unit, learners will critically analyse questions and responses about the Problem of Evil and Suffering. Learners will also develop in-depth factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of the question studied.

 

Recommended Entry

Grade A or B at National 5 level RMPS. Alternatively, pupils are welcome to take a crash course in the subject if they have a Grade A or B at National 5 level in a Social Subject or English.

 

Assessment

All three units are internally assessed on a pass/fail basis where students are expected to meet the minimum requirements of all the assessment standards.

All pupils will write an Assignment under exam conditions based on their chosen Religious, Moral or Philosophical Question.

All pupils will also sit an external written exam to assess knowledge and understanding and analysis and evaluation skills.

 

Grading

The Higher RMPS course is graded A-D.

 

Progression

Pupils who gain an A or B grade at Higher level can progress to Advanced Higher RMPS. A pass at Higher level will also enable pupils to progress to a Higher course in another Social Subject. Alternatively, pupils can gain access to college courses and university.

 

Trips/Activities

Visit to Sayme Ling

Medical Ethics Conference

Senior Phase - RMPS National Advanced Higher

 

Purpose

The Advanced Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies Course enables learners to gain an in-depth understanding of significant ethical, theological and philosophical themes, and of society’s religious and social diversity. Learners will research, analyse and apply critical thinking to these themes.

 

Content

Philosophy of Religion

The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills to explain and critically evaluate key questions from the philosophy of religion. Learners will develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the questions and responses to them.

 

Medical Ethics

The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills to explain and critically evaluate complex issues involving religion and medical ethics. Learners will develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of these issues and religious and non-religious responses to them.

 

Researching Religious, Moral and Philosophical Issues

The general aim of this Unit is to develop a wide range of independent research skills.

 

Recommended Entry

Minimum of a B pass at Higher RMPS level.

 

Assessment

All three units are internally assessed on a pass/fail basis where students are expected to meet the minimum requirements of all the assessment standards.

All pupils will write a dissertation.

All pupils will also undertake a written exam.

 

Progression

University Courses

 

Trip/Activities

Attend a Philosophy of Religion lecture at Glasgow University