Religious and Moral Education

Learning and Teaching> Religious and Moral Education

Religious and Moral Education 3-18

Education is about the development of the whole person. Religious and Moral Education deals with the development of the person in relation to self-awareness, relationships with others, and the realm of beliefs, values and practices which go to make up a religious outlook on life. As such it makes an important contribution to the personal and social development of pupils.

The many different beliefs and attitudes found in Argyll and Bute, which are mirrored in our schools, make this area of the curriculum an exciting challenge. In meeting that challenge, schools work towards creating an ethos in which differences are seen to be welcome enrichments. Discussion of religious and moral issues should be open and pupils are encouraged to express their own views and feelings and to listen with respect to the views and feelings of others.

In 'Standards and Quality in Secondary Schools: Religious and Moral Education 1995-2000', the HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) expressed concern that the guidance of Circular 6/91 on the provision of religious observance in Scottish schools was not being fully implemented.

As a result, the Religious Observance Review Group was set up in November 2001. In May 2004 the Review Group produced the Report of the Religious Observance Review Group. Religious observance has recently been redefined. It is now not about religion, but about spirituality. It is not just about observance but also participation. The term religious observance has however been retained for statutory reasons.

The report defines religious observance in Scottish schools as: 'community acts which aim to promote the spiritual development of all members of the school community and express and celebrate the shared values of the school community'.

It is understood that the term 'spiritual' applies to all and applies to 'something fundamental in the human condition ... it has to do with their unique search for human identity'.

Don Mcallister - Primary

Don Mcallister, Quality Improvement Officer, is one of Argyll & Bute Council’s education authority contacts for Religious and Moral education. Don is based at the Oban Education Office and can be contacted on 01631 564908.

Elliot Morrison - Secondary

Elliot Morrison, Quality Improvement Officer, is responsible for the development of Religious and Moral education in Argyll & Bute. Elliot is based at the Oban Education Office and can be contacted on 01631 564908.

Religious and Moral Education Resources

Click here to view RME support materials for Primary and Secondary.

Search the Web

Take a Virtual Tour of
the Website click here.