Religious Studies

(Updated April 25)

You will sit one RS Exam

Your exam will be divided into two separate sections. You will have to manage your time wisely. (45 minutes)

Section 1 - Knowledge test - 20 marks

You will be set multiple choice questions from the topics you have covered this year: Mythology, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Section 2 - Extended writing - 20 marks

You will be set a discursive question for which you will write an extended answer. You will be given 20 marks for this answer; 5 marks for each RS competency.

Year 8 RS Revision List. 

Mythology 

● What myths are and the purpose of myths 

● Joseph Campbell: symbols and the hero’s journey 

● Jung: archetypes and the collective unconscious 

● Creation myths 

● The apocalypse 

Hinduism 

● Hindu beliefs in God, Trimurti and any other gods and goddesses you have looked at 

● The belief in Samsara and its impact on life and lifestyle including karma 

● Hindu Duties in life (dharma and the ashramas) 

● Hindu Worship at home (puja) 

● The varnas and the caste system 

Buddhism 

● Three Marks of Existence (Universal Truths)

● The Eightfold Path 

● The Four Noble Truths 

● The life of the Buddha (including the four sights) 

● The Tibetan wheel of life including the three poisons 

● The Schools of Buddhism

Top tips for revision: 

There are lots of keywords for you to learn this year in RS, especially for Hinduism and Buddhism. Start early, build up a glossary or a set of flash cards and look over them regularly to keep them fresh in your mind. Little and often is the best way to learn new information.