This week the Scottish Parliament voted against the proposed Assisted Dying Bill, once again bringing the issue of end-of-life choice into discussion. The Bill aimed to allow certain individuals with terminal illness to seek medical assistance to end their lives, under strict conditions. While the outcome is political, the questions Read more
STARME is looking for teachers and other practitioners (school leaders, researchers, community groups) doing something interesting relating to Religious Education in the early learning, primary or secondary sector and who would like to share their practice with others via an in-person session at our annual Festival of Learning event. Our Read more
This RMPS in the News focuses on the recent events regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. Recent reports of Iranian missile and drone attacks, alongside retaliatory airstrikes in the region, have once again brought the reality of conflict into the global spotlight. News coverage focuses on military strategy and political consequences, but Read more
Two years before the release of ‘Adolescence’, and around the time we started hearing about someone called Andrew Tate, our department planned a series of BGE lessons with the aim of helping our pupils to become better thinkers. We wanted our pupils to see that, in an increasingly polarised world, settling for easy answers is often a mistake. Two years later, this unit is receiving top feedback from S4 pupils and even increasing our SQA course uptake. This session will look at the process of planning the unit, its content, and will share details of how to access the lessons and documentary clips used.
On February 17th, 2024, as faith communities across Scotland entered seasons of reflection—Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians—the RME community reached a landmark of its own. With the passing of the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, the landscape of our classrooms has fundamentally shifted.
For years, the “withdrawal clause” acted as a symbolic barrier, often conflating academic Religious Education with Religious Observance. By allowing students to be opt-out of the subject, the system inadvertently framed RME as a confessional activity rather than an academic discipline.
The Turning Point
That era has ended. As stated on the Scottish Government website:
“It is no longer possible to withdraw from RME.” (Scottish Government, 2026)
This change is not just a policy update; it is a validation of RME’s legitimacy. We are moving away from the precarious positioning of the 1960s and the “conscience-based” absences of the 1980s toward a pluralistic, robust curriculum that reflects modern Scotland.
Looking Ahead
Following in the footsteps of Wales, Scotland is now tasked with ensuring our curriculum is fit for a nation where traditional religious identification is evolving. As we enter this “Curriculum Improvement Cycle,” one thing is clear: RME is no longer an optional extra. It is a necessary, academic, and vital tool for understanding the complex world our learners inhabit.
This RMPS in the News focuses on the recent events regarding immigration enforcement actions carried out by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in the USA. These events – including raids, detentions and reports of violence – have sparked strong reactions both within affected countries but also across the wider public. Read more
We would like to thank Stuart McKinlay, has stood as our Chairperson for the past 3 years. Stuart has navigated STARME through it’s creation, inauguartion and helped cement RME as a subject worth talking about. Stuart bid farewell at our recent AGM and you can read his final report as Chair.
We are pleased to announce our next Digital Speed Meet, continuing our series of short, high-impact sessions designed for the busy educator. This 30-minute online event focuses on providing practical, ready-to-use resources that can be implemented in the classroom immediately. Featured Guest: Elaine Tait (Scripture Union Scotland) For this session, Read more
Jonas Christensen from George Watson’s College will be discussing how to successfully introduce Philosophy to your curriculum, from BGE through to SQA certification. This session provides actionable advice on boosting student achievement and tackles some of the ‘big questions’ facing departments today including: Can Philosophy and RMPS coexist? Does Higher Philosophy Read more
This RMPS in the News example focuses on the recent shooting targeting a Jewish community during Hanukkah in Australia. Classes can use this to explore issues of religious prejudice, freedom of belief, and moral responsibility. While the event itself was distressing, it has provided an opportunity to address antisemitism, challenge misinformation, Read more