Mathematics and Science
For Mathematics/Science candidates this is the largest section, 60 marks, combining content knowledge with methods of teaching mathematics and science.
Mathematics content
Number system and divisibility; LCM and HCF; ratio and proportion; percentage; profit and loss; simple and compound interest; algebraic identities and linear equations; geometry - congruence, similar triangles, Pythagoras theorem, circle theorems; mensuration of plane figures and solids; mean, median, mode; basic probability.
Pedagogy: Van Hiele levels of geometric thinking (visualisation, analysis, informal deduction, formal deduction, rigour); concrete-to-abstract sequencing with manipulatives; problem-posing; analysing children's errors to locate misconceptions rather than simply marking them wrong.
Science content
Motion and speed; force and pressure; light and reflection; sound; electric circuits and magnetism; matter and its states; acids, bases and salts; metals and non-metals; separation techniques; cell structure; nutrition and digestion; respiration; reproduction; ecosystems, food chains and the 10% energy law.
Pedagogy: the 5E model - engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate; inquiry and demonstration; laboratory safety; eliciting and correcting misconceptions.
Worked example. A 150 m train crosses a pole in 9 s. Speed = distance ÷ time = 150 ÷ 9 = 16.67 m/s; multiply by 18/5 to get 60 km/h. The reasoning trap is the distance: crossing a pole means the train covers only its own length, whereas crossing a platform means adding the platform's length.
Traps: calculating loss percentage on selling price instead of cost price; forgetting to order data before finding the median; confusing mass with weight; thinking energy increases up a food chain.