In reply to lithos:
> another thing i try to encourage it not to reduce things to decimals eg leave 1/3 as that not .333333 etc . This may not be relevant to your test
> but these friendly fractions always work out so leave them be.
Not for pupils studying Physics or Chemistry; writing a fraction would cost them the mark. I wondered why some were doing that.
I remember people taking 9 or more attempts to pass these tests. Even as a trainee I felt embarrassed for the profession that they were allowed to do this.
I also fail to understand why, as someone above suggests, that training in Wales so you have an unlimited amount of time to take the NQT year is a good thing. Surely the best thing is to progress as quickly as possible so you have the skills to best help your kids?
As for why should an RS teacher have maths skills? If it comes to the point where they are promoted to a position where they have to make decisions based on data, and in schools there are a lot of data, then it is best for everyone if they have some mathematical skills. Moreover, numeracy (and literacy) are whole school responsibilities under the latest OFSTED frameworks...
To the OP, all my tips have been covered but to reiterate: you should get a mini-whiteboard, write down all the numbers the first time. The time should be enough to get the answer, type it in and maybe enough time to check your working. Don't panic if you cock one up you get enough chances at them. You won't get to go over the mental arithmetic at all but on the second half you can go back and forward as you please, make use of this.
The commonest questions will be based on "school scenarios" e.g. percentages of exam results, costs of trips and time calculations. So practise these and also times tables. For literacy make sure you're OK with commonly misspelt words.
Good luck.
Post edited at 19:19