Year 8 Exam – what we learnt Aim: To find out what went right in the exam and what we could do better next time June 2010

What the exam involved Four types of questions: Key words Stories Explanations Opinions and reasons There was also a question about looking up Bible verses.

How I did Key words and their meaning/9 Looking up bible verses/3 Telling the stories/9 Giving explanations/12 Giving an opinion with a good reason /12 Total/45

Key Words 1a)A type: a shadow or promise of the Messiah to come 2a)The LORD: when LORD is written in capital letters it shows that the name of God is being used 3a)pneuma: Greek word for “breath” Hebrew word is ruach 4a)grace: something good you don’t deserve

Stories The events which led to the Council of Nicaea What happened on the day of Pentecost Describe the conversion of St. Paul

Stories: Example 1 - Nicaea At a gathering of the clergy of Alexandria the question was asked ‘Is the Son (Jesus) eternal, as is the Father?’ Alexander, the bishop, said ‘yes’. Arius said ‘no’. The question was whether Jesus had existed from all eternity. This was a big question for the church because if Jesus was not eternal then he was not fully divine. If Jesus was not divine the church would have to stop worshipping him as it had done down the centuries and confess that it had been worshipping someone who was not God. The argument became so bad that the Emperor Constantine got involved. In 325 the Council of Nicaea met and over 300 bishops attended. They discussed the conflict between Arius and Alexander. They rejected Arius’ view that Jesus was created. To stop Arius’ view being spread the church formulated a statement of belief, now called the Nicene Creed.

Stories- Example 2- Pentecost On the day of Pentecost the followers of Jesus were all together in one place Suddenly there came from heaven the sound of rushing wind and tongues of fire were seen resting on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke new languages People who heard the commotion were amazed, but some thought they were drunk Peter preached and about 3000 people became followers of Jesus.

Stories – Example 3- Saul’s Conversion Saul was on the way to Damascus, to bring Christians to trial, when hel saw a great light from heaven. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’. Saul asked who it was. The reply was that it was Jesus. Jesus told Saul to go to Damascus and await further instruction. Saul had been blinded by the light and had to be guided there by his companions. A Jewish convert to Christianity called Ananias prayed for Saul and he regained his sight. Ananias told Saul that God had a plan for his life but first he was to repent and be baptised.

Explanations – Example 1 1c) Explain what is understood by the title ‘Son of God’ (3 marks) If you want to be rude about someone in Arab culture you may call them the ‘son of a camel!’ This doesn’t mean that their mum was really a camel but it means that they share the same attributes as a camel. In the same way, when Jesus is called the ‘Son of God’, it does not mean that he was a literal son but it does mean that he has the same attributes as God. Attributes of God – God is: Holy, loving, eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing. The term ‘Son’ also speaks of the relationship that there is in the Trinity.

Stories – summary Stories have: a beginning a middle an end Note down an example to help you remember this.

Explanations – Example 2 Prodigal Son God is forgiving God is like a Father God looks for those that are lost God allows free-will God’s love and forgiveness is extravagant, it may be seen as foolishness by some Job God allows testing God is in control God is the Creator God’s wisdom is beyond human understanding God rescues people and is just 2c) Explain what either the Parable of the Prodigal son or the story of Job teaches about the nature of God (3 marks). Answers might include:

Explanations- Example 3 Explain how the Roman Empire helped the spread of Christianity (3 marks) The Romans had built lots of good quality, straight roads, making travel quicker and easier Greek was widely spoken as a common language throughout the Empire. Under Roman rule, the Empire experienced peace and prosperity. There was common coinage – Roman coins were accepted throughout the Empire Paul had Roman citizenship which gave him certain rights as he travelled.

Explanations An explanation does not tell the story. It makes clear what the story means. An explanation has key points

Opinions and Reasons 1 mark for your opinion 2 marks for one developed reason or two undeveloped reasons 1 mark for an undeveloped reason Yes or No Justify your answer!

1. What do you think is happening in this sculpture? 2. How do you think the people are feeling? 3. Why do you think the artist would make an image like this?

Paul’s First Missionary Journey

Paul’s second missionary journey

Here’s the answer- what’s the question? 1.With Barnabas 2.Whether to take Mark with them. 3.He had left them in Cyprus. 4.Silas 5.He was a Roman citizen 6.In Lystra 7.Luke

How would you react if you were treated unfairly? Can you think of anything which Jesus taught or did which might have influenced how Paul and Silas reacted in this situation?

Task “God wasn’t looking after Paul on his missionary journeys!” In your answer you should refer to event(s) on Paul’s missionary journeys. i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion. ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you