Education Policy

Action Required – Stage 2 – Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill

Despite broad support from the Equalities Committee and MSPs for decoupling Religious and Moral Education (RME) from Religious Observance (RO), the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill still threatens RME’s status. The core problem remains: the outdated right of withdrawal from RME is still retained, treating a core, non-confessional academic subject like an optional, confessional activity.

STARME is issuing an urgent call to action: We need every member to contact their MSPs now to ensure Stage 2 amendments are lodged and supported to remove the right of withdrawal from RME entirely. This is the critical window to safeguard the future integrity and mandatory nature of RME for all Scottish pupils.

By STARMEadmin, ago

URGENT: The Voice of RME Teachers Must Be Heard on the Children (RME Withdrawal) Bill

Critical Deadline: Stage 1 Debate is November 25th! The Stage 1 debate on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025. This means we have a matter of days, to ensure the professional voice of Religious and Read more

By STARMEadmin, ago

The Power of Extra-curricular Clubs: Boosting Footfall in RMPS Departments by Marilyn Hamilton

One powerful way to increase footfall in Religious, Moral, and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) departments is by offering extracurricular clubs, such as an Ethics Cup Debate Club. Here’s why these clubs are not only beneficial for students but also help elevate the presence and impact of the department. They create a dynamic environment for students to explore complex ethical issues, expand knowledge beyond the classroom, and build a sense of community, ultimately attracting a diverse group of students and ensuring enhanced visibility for the department.

By STARMEadmin, ago
olly bray, starme 25 festival of learning

What does the Curriculum Review Cycle Mean for RME? Reflections from STARME Festival of Learning by Steph Whyte

At a recent Festival of Learning, Ollie Bray, the strategic director at Education Scotland, delivered a keynote address on the Curriculum Review Cycle and its specific implications for Religious and Moral Education (RME). He emphasized that RME’s position as one of the eight distinct curricular areas is secure and it will not be merged into other faculties like social subjects or humanities. Bray highlighted the unique and vital role RME plays in challenging students to think critically, engage with complex debates, and navigate unfamiliar intellectual contexts. The keynote served as a strong reaffirmation of RME’s importance in developing critically aware young people, noting that RME teachers have been actively involved in the curriculum review consultation process since May 2023.

By STARMEadmin, ago

Festival of Learning 2025 – Call for Sessions

STARME invites educators and practitioners in Religious Education to present at the Festival of Learning on 2 May 2025, at the University of Edinburgh. Interested individuals should submit a form by 14 March 2025, proposing their session and its significance. Presenters enjoy free admission and must attend in person.

By STARMEadmin, ago

AGM Minutes and Update

Please find attached minutes from our recent AGM along with associated slides. We are delighted to announce that the Festival of Learning will be back in 2025! Save the date for Friday 2nd May 2025, New College, University of Edinburgh. At the meeting we discussed the Scottish Government Consultation on ‘Proposals to amend the legislation on Read more

By STARMEadmin, ago