Student Engagement

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

Hearts, Minds & Making a Difference: YPI meets RME at Inverkeithing High by Celia Newton

YPI has gained considerable traction since its launch in 2008, approximately 300 schools now participate. We will look at the delivery of YPI in RME considering the aims of YPI, teaching and learning approaches within RME, encouraging active engagement with pupils, supporting the delivery of the “Values in Action” unit and “troubleshooting” concerns around its delivery. This workshop will support teachers who are running YPI, or supporting other departments doing so, whether they are seasoned veterans or newbies, hopefully giving some inspiration to take back to the classroom!

By STARMEadmin, ago

Introducing STARME Speed Meets

As Announced at the Festival of Learning our Teach Meet Programme currently has 40 members signed up across the country. Introduced in 2024 to respond to member requests for more frequent high-quality CLPL around the teaching of RME/RERC/RMPS.  Current Regional Teach Meets include: Teach Meets are centred on member requests Read more

By STARMEadmin, ago

Secondary school student perceptions of RMPS in a secular society by Rhianna Stewart

With Scotland becoming an ever increasingly secular society, the place for RMPS in the secondary school curriculum has become increasingly questioned. My research explores the extent of which secondary students believe RMPS contributes to their understanding of contemporary social and ethical issues in a secular society, factors which influence their perception of the subject and if students perceive RMPS as contributing to their personal development and moral reasoning.

By STARMEadmin, ago

Using Dilemma Discussions in Moral Education in Primary Schools by Chantelle Boyle

Moral education is most effective when based on discussions and debate (Kohlberg and Hersh, 1977) but that can often be a challenge in the primary classroom. Time can be a barrier to exploring moral education topics (Clanachan and Matemba, 2015). But even as little as 10 minutes per day can be beneficial to students’ moral development. In this session, we will explore the use of dilemma discussions where free video resources will be shared that have been developed from my PhD research.

By STARMEadmin, ago

Scottish Interfaith Week 2025 & Competition for Schools by Jill Stevens Interfaith Scotland

As we aspire to the safe and thriving futures we want for faith communities in Scotland, we must prioritise the education of today’s young people.

Festival events for Scottish Interfaith Week 2025 will explore the key priorities of Scotland’s youth: Education, climate, mental health, poverty and discrimination.

Our hope is to encourage young people to engage in the festival, learn about other cultures and meet people from diverse religious and belief backgrounds.

When we make space for dialogue and understanding, our whole society flourishes.

Find out about our competition for schools and ways to engage young people in the festival.

By STARMEadmin, ago

Free Spring Festivals Escape Room lesson for Religious Moral Education Classrooms

Looking for a fun and educational end-of-term activity? STARME is excited to offer a free Spring Festivals RME Escape Room! This interactive game allows pupils to explore Holi, Vaisakhi, Easter, and Eid through engaging clues and problem-solving. No prior knowledge is needed, and it’s perfect for individual or team work. Read more

By STARMEadmin, ago

5 Ways to Boost Engagement in RME – Ross McMaster – STARME24

Ross McMaster’s presentation at the Scottish Teachers Association of RME – Festival of Learning 2024 focuses on enhancing student behavior and engagement in Religious and Moral Education (RME). He shares effective strategies to motivate students, incorporating starters, plenaries, intrinsic motivation, mini-topics, personalization, and connections to learning benchmarks.

By STARMEadmin, ago