Curriculum Area Impact Review:
Religious and Moral Education
The Big Messages
Patricia Watson, HMI
Subject Specialist Inspector for RME
Big Questions for schools:
• What will successful implementation of
Curriculum for Excellence look like in religious
and moral education?
• How can we get there?
• How will we know we have reached success?
Pre-requisites for successful implementation:
 Shared and deep understanding of principles and practices of
Religious Education in Roman Catholic schools.
 Good leadership, a clear plan & rigorous self evaluation.
 High quality professional learning.
 Coherent approach to planning curriculum, learning, teaching
and assessment using This Is Our Faith.
 Effective arrangements to measure and track progress and
attainment and achievements.
 Embedding responsibilities for all (LIT, NUM, HWB).
 Policies and practices which reflect legislation and national
guidance.
Significant aspects of learning in RERC:
A deepening knowledge
and understanding of the
Catholic faith.
Developing the skills of
reflection, discernment
and critical thinking.
Understanding the
relevance of the Catholic
faith to questions about
truth and the meaning of
life
Fostering the values,
attitudes and practices
compatible with a positive
response to the invitation
to faith.
Being able to make well
informed moral decisions.
Feeling nurtured through
engagement in prayer as
an individual and as part
of the school and parish
community.
Being able to understand
and appreciate significant
aspects of other Christian
traditions and major world
religions.
Making a positive
difference to self and the
world by putting beliefs
and values into action.
How well do children and young people
learn and achieve in RE?
What should I be looking for?
• Relationships, ethos and climate for learning
• Engagement with parents and the wider parish community
• Teaching, learning and assessment - progression
• Achievement and attainment
How well are children and young people
supported to learn in RE?
What should I be looking at?
• Curriculum design through the BGE and Senior Phase.
• Learning across the four aspects of the curriculum
• Transitions
• Quality of partnerships.
How well do schools and authorities
continue to improve Religious Education?
What should I ensure?
• High quality career long professional learning.
• Effective self-evaluation and improvement planning.
• Strong leadership at all levels.
Reflect:
www.educationscotland.gov.uk