Education Scotland has published the latest in a series of Curriculum Impact reports, which are designed to present a subject-by-subject picture of how children and young people are experiencing learning in different areas of the 3-18 curriculum across the country.

This report focuses on religious and moral education (RME) and has been developed in partnership with schools and local authorities. A project reference group – including representation from local authorities, the Scottish Catholic Education Service, universities, the Church of Scotland and Interfaith Scotland – provided advice and feedback on the review process and early drafts of the report. The report was compiled with the input of young people, parents and local authorities, and following independent inspection activities in schools and other learning environments.

Curriculum for Excellence supports two frameworks for learning, teaching and assessment within the Religious and Moral Education curriculum area. This acknowledges, within the Scottish context, the different aims and purposes of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in non-denominational schools and Religious Education in Roman Catholic (RERC) schools. This report sets out to encourage professional learning across the two approaches. 

The report identifies strengths in a number of areas of Religious and Moral Education, including in children and young people’s learning experiences. Some aspects for improvement are also identified for example, in relation to the senior phase of RME in non-denominational schools. The report also identifies a need for more subject specific career long professional learning opportunities to be provided for practitioners. The report reinforces the aims and purposes of Religious and Moral Education in Scotland and highlights the value of the subject for our children and young people.

It is intended that this report acts as a stimulus for ongoing professional dialogue and development. Practitioners are encouraged to engage with each other and with Education Scotland staff to discuss and share practice and address areas requiring development via Glow and other professional networks locally and nationally.

N.B. An Executive Summary of the report can be downloaded here and a link to the report is provided below.