National tests 'turn pupils off learning'

School standards should be monitored by the random testing of a sample of pupils, MPs demand today.

In a powerful attack on the system of national curriculum testing in schools, the Children Schools and Families Select Committee said that the current arrangements encouraged a narrow curriculum that turned students off learning and increased their anxiety. The damning report comes as 1.2 million 11 and 14-year-olds across England take their national curriculum tests in maths, English and science.

The MPs say that drilling children to focus on “test tactics” leads to shallow learning and short-term retention of knowledge, and denies pupils a rounded education, leaving them unprepared for university and employment.

Shops to be saved

Small shops, post offices, libraries and cottage hospitals would be saved from closure by a social value assessment if the Conservatives came to power, David Cameron said. The Tory leader said he wanted a change of culture in government and for policies to be judged on their social as well as economic value.

New driver questions

Learner-drivers are to face a revised set of safety questions at the start of their practical driving test. From July 1 candidates will have to answer questions about the use of wipers, brake lights, demisters, fog lights, warning lights and the operation of controls and switches. The full list is at www.dsa.gov.uk.

Breast-feed bonus

Women who breast-feed their children for more than a year reduce their risk of rheumatoid arthritis by half, a study has suggested.

Research in Sweden found that woman who breast-fed for 13 months or more were 54 per cent less likely to get the disease than those who never breast-fed.

Rail strike threat

The first national rail strike for 14 years has been threatened by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union. The union, the biggest in the industry, is balloting 17,000 maintenance and signalling staff on whether to begin industrial action over two separate disputes. The results of both ballots will be known on May 22.

Houston rescues Highland walker

A walker was rescued in the Highlands after a satellite control centre in Houston, Texas, received a distress signal from his hand-held emergency beacon and alerted police near by. The crew of a Royal Navy helicopter found Niels Vinter, 64, who had suspected appendicitis, near Fort William, using the coordinates from his beacon.

Study looks to find autism test

A test that can identify early signs of autism in babies could emerge from a study of the disorder that begins tomorrow. The research will look at about 200 infants with autistic older siblings. The study is being run by the Babylab at Birkbeck College, London.

Prison officer was victimised

An employment tribunal has awarded a female prison officer £45,000 after she was victimised for helping to expose bullying at Wakefield Prison. Emma Howie, 35, was described as a “grass” and sent a wreath after she gave evidence in the earlier case.

British reef to rule the waves

The first artificial surf reef in Europe, doubling the size of waves, is expected to open off Boscombe, Dorset, by the end of October. Bournemouth borough council has engaged a New Zealand company to build the £1.4 million tourist attraction.

Racial ‘hot spots’ will be mapped

Town halls have been asked to map out racial tension “hotspots” and monitor local crime trends to improve community cohesion in their areas. Hazel Blears, the Communities Secretary, issued guidance telling councils to look at where criminal incidents relating to racism or religion occurred and to “take action”.

Shoplifter asks for an ASBO

A 20-year-old shoplifter has become the first person in Britain to ask for an ASBO, police said. Tania Hall, who was given an antisocial behaviour order for two years by Birmingham magistrates, wanted it to help her to stop committing crimes.

Priest faces jail for child abuse

A Roman Catholic priest is facing prison for sex attacks on children. Father John Corrigan, 71, was extradited from Ireland for sentence at Newcastle Crown Court for abusing three boys and a girl in the North East of England more than 30 years ago.

All over now for the McCartneys

Sir Paul McCartney’s marriage to Heather Mills ended when the judge who earlier ruled on their £24 million settlement pronounced a decree nisi. Mr Justice Bennett granted the divorce on the ground that the couple had been separated for two years.

More mothers return to work

Mothers are returning to work in greater numbers than at any time in the past 15 years, according to a survey which cites economic pressures and government incentives for the rise. One in three goes back before their child’s second birthday.

Blood clots link to air pollution

Air pollution, particularly that produced by motor vehicles, can greatly raise the risk of deadly blood clots, a study in Italy has found. High pollution could raise the risk of the blood clots by more than ten times, scientists in Lombardy said.

Evening class numbers drop

There has been a 3 per cent drop in adults taking evening classes because funding has shifted to vocational classes and basic literacy, a report by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education says.

National Trust's garden audit

The National Trust has begun an inventory of every plant in 80 of its gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Hundreds of staff and volunteers began their mammoth task at Killerton House in Devon.

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