Welcome back to What Even Is RMPS? In this episode, Steph sits down with Laura Crichton—Head of Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion, and the creator of Enlightened RMPS.

Laura shares her journey of falling into teaching 17 years ago, transitioning from divinity studies and financial data analysis to running a busy department. We take a look into a "day in the life" of her classroom—from S4 philosophy classes creating Descartes rap battles and puppet shows, to S2s exploring workplace ethics, and S1s creating children's books to explain philosophical concepts.

Steph and Laura also dive into why tech giants are hiring philosophy graduates to navigate AI ethics, how to simplify senior essay structures without over-complicating things, and why open resource-sharing is vital for supporting single-person departments across the country.

Plus, in this month's intro segment, Steph breaks down recent event appearances at RExchange and the STARME TeachMeet, introduces a brand-new crime investigation resource on LearningRMPS.com, gives a review of the Stanford Prison Experiment documentary, shares a display board setup hack, and gives her monthly read, watch, and audiobook recommendations!

• Enlightened RMPS Website: Explore Laura’s books, podcasts, and study guides at enlightenedrmps.com.

• Learning RMPS Website: Download the brand-new free resource "Sifting Fact from Fiction: A Critical Thinking Crime Investigation for Secondary RMPS" (#409 The Pharmacy Heist) at learningrmps.com.

• Amazon Storefront: Browse Steph's curated collection of recommended teacher reads, classroom display hacks,and personal favorites at amazon.co.uk/shop/whyhapnex.

• Try Audible Free: Listen to audiobooks on your commute or during prep time with a free Audible trial at link.amazon/A0j6aFEpR.

• Farmington Scholarships: Applications for 2027/2028 Farmington Scholarships are officially open! Find out more and apply at farmington.ac.uk.

• STARME Network: Access subject support, CLPL resources, and member events at starme.co.uk.

• Book Recommendation: Senior Phase RMPS: An A to Z of Classroom Practice by Gillian Dunsmuir & Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend.

• Follow on Social Media:

  • Laura on Instagram: @enlightenedrmps

  • Steph on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @learningrmps

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