Welcome back to Season 2 of What Even Is RMPS?

In our season opener, Steph sits down with Gillian Dunsmuir—tri-qualified RMPS, Modern Studies, and History teacher, Chair of the STARME, and recent Farmington Scholar.

Gillian shares a detailed look at a "day in the life" of her classroom, from teaching 20-mark essay structures in Higher Morality and Justice using evaluation walls to using classic 1970s Roots episodes with S3 History, and establishing belief profiles with S1s. We delve into building a positive classroom ethos through cold-calling and "Show Me" boards, discussing the shift toward worldviews, and why sports stars like Rafael Nadal make brilliant growth mindset role models for pupils.

Plus, we celebrate the launch of Gillian's brand-new book which you can order on Amazon now!

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

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  Gillian’s New Book: https://amzn.to/47jQy2s (All initial profits go to Ayrshire Cancer Support)

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  Learning RMPS Website: Visit learningrmps.com for updated BGE resources, the self-driving car trolley problem game, and crime games!

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  STARME Website & Free Membership Area: Access CLPL resources, "RMPS in the News", and Interfaith Week ideas at starme.co.uk (Free to join!)

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  RExChange Conference: Find out more about the upcoming RExChange conference hosted by Culham St Gabriel’s here.

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  Farmington Scholarships 2027/28: Apply for funding and dedicated research time via the Farmington Institute Website.

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  Canva Templates: Search for learningrmps templates directly on Canva!

• Follow on Socials: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @learningrmps

Welcome to a bonus episode as we bridge the gap between Season One and Season Two!

In this episode, Steph announces the podcast's official rebrand to What Even is RMPS? to align with the Curriculum Improvement Cycle, and outlines updates to the LearningRMPS website.

The core of today's episode is a breakdown of Steph’s Farmington Scholarship research paper: What Even is RME? Unpacking Religious Education in Scotland at a time of change. Skipping the 45-page read, Steph provides a direct summary of the challenges facing the subject and outlines practical, classroom-ready solutions to elevate RMPS across Scotland.

In This Episode:

• The Rebrand: Why the podcast is now What Even is RMPS?

• LearningRMPS.com Updates: Check out the new personalised trolley problem game, Crime & AI resources, National 5 Revision Task generators, and a new structural tool for Higher students.

• Unpacking the Research: A look at the lack of Scottish RMPS research, the legacy of Graeme Nixon and Stephen Scholes, and the persistent issues of IDL tokenism and curriculum variability. As well as actionable solutions.

Call for Guests! Season Two is coming later this term. You don't need to be doing anything revolutionary to come on the show- we just want to hear what's happening in your classroom. If you'd like to be a guest, email: learningrmps@gmail.com

Read the Full Report:

• Read Steph's complete Farmington Scholarship research paper: What Even is RME? Unpacking Religious Education in Scotland at a time of change

• You can also read Steph's original 2013 undergraduate dissertation at learningrmps.com.

Connect with Steph:

• Socials: @learningrmps (Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook)

• Website: www.learningrmps.com

  
  

In this special finale episode, we look back on the journey of What Even Is RME? We reflect on the importance of "boots on the ground" research in the RMPS classroom and discuss how teachers can get involved in professional inquiry. We also have conversation on how we can continue to build a supportive community for RMPS educators.

• The Power of Small-Scale Research: Why you don’t need a massive dissertation to make an impact. Every small, classroom-based inquiry adds to the bigger picture.

• Funding Opportunities: A reminder that the Farmington Scholarship can provide the time and space (up to 30 days) to pursue your own research interests.

• Practical Classroom Tools: An introduction to the new National 5 Question Generator available on the website, designed to help frame exam-style practice.

• Community Building: Why we’re moving away from the "one-man band" feeling and toward a collaborative future for RMPS/RME in Scotland.

• The Website: www.learningrmps.com – Visit for the National 5 Question Generator and other classroom resources.

• The Farmington Scholarship: https://farmington.ac.uk – Information on research funding for teachers.

• Feedback: Do you use the website? I am planning a site-wide update this summer to make everything a "one-stop shop." Send me your thoughts on what you find most useful!

• Follow the Conversation: Connect with me on social media @learningrmps for clips, updates, and classroom snippets.

• Email Steph: Have a question or an idea for Season 2? Reach out at learningrmps@gmail.com.

• Guest Contact: You can contact Stephen Scholes at Queen Margaret University via email: sscholes@qmu.ac.uk.

Thanks for listening to Season 1 of "What Even Is RME?"! Keep the conversation going, and I’ll see you all in Season 2.