RME allows pupils the opportunity to explore how religion, morality and philosophy are intertwined into the fabric of our society. The study of RME will allow pupils to increase their understanding of human beliefs, values and behaviour, as we look to explore how people use religion and philosophy to find purpose and meaning in their lives. Throughout RME, there will be opportunities for pupils to develop literacy, numeracy and thinking skills as well as a sense of responsible citizenship.
The main aims of RME at Strathaven Academy are to allow young people the chance to:
• develop an understanding and respect for different beliefs, values and viewpoints
• develop their own values and beliefs, and learn how to express these
• make informed moral decisions
• make a positive difference to others by putting their values and beliefs into action
BGE
Pupils will have one period of RME weekly throughout S1 to S3. During this time, pupils will explore a number of topics that are designed to increase their general understanding of religion, morality and philosophy. Pupils will explore beliefs from a multitude of sources, including both religious and non-religious viewpoints.
Pupils will also spend time developing their own opinions and beliefs about a number of topics ranging from whether they think it is right to keep animals in zoos to whether they think there is life after death.
The topics that will be studied during the BGE are:
S1
• Unit 1: Diversity
• Unit 2: The Protestant Reformation
• Unit 3: Big Questions: Philosophical Investigation
S2
• Unit 1: World Religion – Buddhism
• Unit 2: Animal Ethics
S3
• Unit 1: Introduction to Ethics
• Unit 2: Morality and War
• Unit 3: Marriage
Youth Philanthropy Initiative
The second half of S3 RME will be spent working in partnership with the Youth Philanthropy Initiative. This is a programme that allows young people to explore philanthropy within their local community. Pupils will learn about the different issues within their community, consider which issues they are passionate about and work with a charity that they feel helps to address this issue.
S4
In S4, pupils will continue to have RME once a week. This will allow pupils to develop the skills they have already acquired in RME. There will also be a focus on the development of literacy skills which will be assessed, in class, throughout the year. Topics that will be studied during this time will include:
• Unit 1: Medical Ethics
Pupils will then have a choice between:
• Unit 2: Introduction to Philosophy
• Unit 2: Evil and Suffering