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.

This is the extended version of the presentation I made at STARME's Festival of Learning 2026! As you can see I had a lot more to say than my allotted 15 minute slot!

I talk about my research as part of my Farmington Scholarship and what the key finds are and what the big solutions might be.

I would love for you to join in the conversation @learningrmps or learningrmps@gmail.com