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 and Moral Education.
 Good leadership, a clear plan & rigorous self evaluation.
 High quality professional learning.
 Coherent approach to planning curriculum, learning, teaching
and assessment.
 Effective arrangements to measure and track attainment and
achievements.
 Embedding responsibilities for all (LIT, NUM, HWB).
 Policies and practices which reflect legislation and national
guidance.
The unique contribution of RME:
Learning about who we are
and how we deal with how
we deal with questions of
meaning, value and purpose
in life.
Learning contexts which are
significant and relevant in
every community across
Scotland.
Values of compassion,
wisdom, justice and integrity
are embedded within the
curriculum content and
approaches to delivery.
Promotes strong emotional,
social and spiritual wellbeing
alongside increasing
intellectual capacity.
Increased awareness of the
importance of and
relationship between
individual, family and
community.
Deeper understanding of
when to hold firm to
personal beliefs and values
and when to compromise.
Opportunities for genuine
dialogue about faith and
beliefs .
Underpinned by partnership
with parents, families and
communities.
How well do children and young people
learn and achieve in RME?
What should I be looking for?
• Relationships, ethos and climate for learning
• Teaching, learning and assessment
• Achievement and accreditation
How well are children and young people
supported to learn in RME?
What should I be looking at?
• Curriculum design through the BGE.
• Opportunities to build on prior learning and
achievements Senior Phase.
• Involvement of Partners.
How well do schools and authorities
continue to improve religious and Moral
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