ABOUT US
The Scottish Teachers Association of Religious and Moral Education (STARME) officially formed in 2022.
Following discussions in 2021 in various forums, we began to realise the need for a New Association for Teachers of RME in Scotland. It was apparent that due to pre-existing bodies either disbanding or becoming inactive, that there was a lack of representation for the voice of teachers of RME on both a local and national level.
Knowing that there are successful associations for other subject areas that have been effective in promoting and representing their subjects, a small group of passionate teachers felt that there was an
opportunity for RME to benefit in the same way. Wide consultation in order to gauge interest and
areas for a group to focus on, identified a real hunger for such a group and passion for promoting the
subject across the country.
Since then, we have met with others with similar experiences from similar education organisations
to discuss lessons learned from their experiences as well as advice they would like to offer, in order
to inform our initial steps.
Our Inaugural General Meeting, held on 24th March 2022, saw a constitution approved, which stated that our aims as an associations are to:
- make representations to national bodies;
- provide for the exchange of views on all topics related to RME, RERC, and
- associated subjects;
- identify teachers’ developmental needs and endeavour to support them;
- act in a consultative and innovative capacity on all matters relating to the
- curriculum area and associated subjects;
- disseminate information on matters relating to RME, RERC, and associated
- subjects to schools and local authorities;
- pursue any other activities which further any of the above aims.
We have a strong and growing membership representing RME in Secondary schools, the private sector, academics engaged in research around RME in the curriculum, those teaching RME in primaries, as well as colleagues teaching our associated subjects (Religious and Moral Education; Religious Education in Roman Catholic schools; Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies; and Philosophy).
At the inaugural general meeting, the membership also elected a management committee to steer us through the early stages of our development.
You can learn more about our Management Committee here.
We are at the start of our journey as an association, however as a team in the coming months and year, we will seek to bring about the structures and opportunities for us to truly meet our aim of ‘inspiring and empowering excellence in RME. I look forward to dedicating time and energy to being part of this exciting new venture to support, champion, and enhance the delivery of RME/ RMPS/RERC and our associated subjects.
Please find our up to date constitution as agreed at our AGM in November 2024.