Several exam errors have already emerged this year
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Three more mistakes have been found in GCSE and A-level exam papers being taken by pupils in the summer exam season.
A-level physics and a GCSE Latin paper from the OCR exam board and an AQA maths GCSE foundation paper are the latest to contain errors.
After a series of earlier errors, the Ofqual exams watchdog warned exam boards against any more mistakes.
Both the AQA and OCR boards have apologised for the errors.
OCR exam board spokesman said there would be an investigation into the errors and jobs could be lost as a result.
The Latin GCSE error, in a paper taken by up to 8,000 pupils, contained three errors which represented 14 out of 50 marks.
Examiners will now have to decide how to mark the paper in a way that will treat candidates fairly.
An error in a question in the A-level physics paper, taken on Tuesday morning, used the wrong measurements.
A candidate taking the OCR exam paper told the BBC that pupils “were given a few minutes extra in our exam when the mistake was spotted and it caused some disruption”.
There was also printing error in a maths GCSE foundation paper, also taken by pupils on Tuesday morning, set by the AQA exam board.
Some of the papers, given to 31,659 students, had questions from a previous paper accidentally printed in the middle of it, AQA said.
AQA said it was sorry that the error had caused some students distress.
It added: “From the information we have at this stage, it seems that some of the papers contained questions from the March 2011 paper.
“We understand the problem version of the paper begins and ends with June questions, but has March questions in the middle of it.”
AQA said in some of the papers one of the questions had another from a previous paper printed in the middle of it – making it difficult for candidates to follow.
It added: “We have told schools that students should attempt the paper as it is and we will consider the most appropriate action to protect students’ interests, when we have a full understanding of the extent of the problem.
“The batches of papers that we checked as part of our quality assurance process are all fine and we are in the process of investigating with our printers how this problem has arisen.
“As with any problem of this nature, our top priority is to protect the interests of students and we will ensure that no student is disadvantaged by this printing error.”
A fortnight ago AQA had to apologise for errors in a geography AS Level paper, a business studies paper and a computing paper.
And it is not the only exam board that has run into difficulties with papers this year.
The exams watchdog, Ofqual, said on June 9 that it was investigating six errors. Five were AS-levels and one was a GCSE.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Ministers want to cut prison numbers by 3,000 by 2015
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Proposals to allow criminals to serve only half their sentences if they plead guilty at an early stage is set to be dropped entirely, the BBC understands.
The idea was attacked by many Tory MPs and victims’ groups – especially after it emerged it might apply to rapists.
Government sources ruled that out earlier this month, but the policy was expected to be retained for a number of lesser crimes.
Labour say the plans were cost-driven and lacked public support.
As recently as last month, ministers were talking about the possibility of extending the existing 33% “discount” on jail sentences in England and Wales for offenders pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity to 50%.
But the idea came in for sustained criticism from sections of the media, which intensified after Justice Secretary Ken Clarke seemed to suggest that some rape cases were more serious than others.
Confirmation the plan is being ditched is expected on Tuesday as ministers outline details of their proposed Sentencing and Legal Aid Bill – which they hope will become law by next April.
The BBC’s Deputy Political Editor James Landale said the move – which has not yet been confirmed by Downing Street – would mean that Mr Clarke would now have to find other ways of finding £130m in savings which he hoped to generate from the plan.
Ministers have been consulting on a range of ideas intended to strike a balance between protecting the public, tackling reoffending and lowering prison numbers.
Last December, Mr Clarke set out plans to cut the prison population by 3,000 in England and Wales and toughen non-custodial sentences as part of efforts to cut the prison and probation bill by 20% over four years.
Ministers consulted on plans to limit the use of indeterminate sentences – minimum tariffs for imprisonment – release more defendants on bail and increase the use of community sentences.
“An effective criminal justice system should protect the public, punish and reform offenders, support victims and ultimately cut crime”
Sadiq Khan Shadow justice secretary
But the debate over their approach was dominated by the controversy over the 50% discount plan.
After being challenged by rape victim Gabrielle Browne about it in a BBC interview last month, Mr Clarke was forced to apologise for “giving the impression” that not all rape cases were equally serious.
However, after a personal meeting with Mr Clarke later, Ms Browne said she accepted the logic of the government’s thinking and the move could mean fewer rape victims having to go through the ordeal of reliving their experiences in court and coming face-to-face with their attacker.
Although it introduced the 33% discount while in government, Labour said an extension to 50% – which had won the backing of penal reform campaigners – was “ludicrous”.
“An effective criminal justice system should protect the public, punish and reform offenders, support victims and ultimately cut crime,” shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan said.
“If they proceed with their ludicrous policies of cutting sentences by half for criminals that plead guilty early, taking away the power of judges and magistrates to hold people in custody on remand and letting people out early who could be a threat to public safety, that damage could be irreparable.”
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
The bill aims to tackle sectarianism related to football
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Scotland’s community safety minister has defended government plans to pass emergency laws on tackling sectarianism related to football games.
Roseanna Cunningham said people expected the laws to be in place before the start of the new season in July, following previous trouble at matches.
She was being grilled by Holyrood’s justice committee, which is concerned the legislation is being rushed.
The bill proposes tough new jail terms to crack down on sectarianism.
Parliament is voting on the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill for the first time on Thursday, despite it only being introduced last week.
The justice committee is spending the next few days quizzing police, church, legal and football representatives.
The bill aims to stamp out abusive behaviour from football fans whether they are watching matches in a stadium, in the pub or commenting online.
It would raise the maximum jail term from six months to five years.
The new legislation comes in the wake of several high-profile football-related incidents.
Sectarian bill – key measures
Two new offences on football-related behaviour regarded as offensive and threatening.
One deals with disorder around football matches inside the ground, and extends to those travelling to and from stadiums – as well as fans watching games elsewhere, for example in pubs or on big screens outdoors.
The second offence deals with serious threats – including murder – made on the internet.
That would take in posts on sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as specific websites.
Both offences would become indictable, with a maximum punishment of five years in jail.
The maximum jail term for sectarian hate crimes is currently six months.
As is always the case, any new law sets out the penalties available – decisions on sentencing in each case are a matter for the courts.
Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill
These include trouble at Rangers and Celtic games and the recent appearance of two men in court after suspected bombs were sent to Celtic manager Neil Lennon and two other high-profile supporters of the club in March.
Ms Cunningham welcomed the committee’s decision to take evidence on the bill, but said there was an expectation for the new laws to be put in place urgently.
She said: “Football is our national game – millions of people are passionate about it.
“But we really can’t tolerate the complete corruption of that passion into hate – whether it is mass sectarian chanting or bullets and bombs in the post, we all know that it must stop.”
The minister added: “The government is committed to putting this new legislation in place in time for the new football season.
“It is essential to make clear the scenes of last season must never be repeated and we do believe the bill sends a clear message to the people of Scotland – which they do expect, I think, in response to what was witnessed over the past few months.”
Ms Cunningham went on to tell the committee that singing Flower of Scotland or God Save the Queen would not be considered offensive behaviour under the legislation.
However, she said each case would depend on individual circumstances and cited an example of having seen Celtic fans making signs of the cross to Rangers fans in an “aggressive” manner, which may potentially be construed as offensive.
Labour MSP Graeme Pearson, a former Strathclyde Police officer and head of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency who sits on the justice committee, questioned whether the legislation was needed.
He asked the minister: “What flaws were out there that you decided you required the current legislation to be offered to parliament for consideration?”
Ms Cunningham said the problems during the last football season had shown current laws could not tackle the issue properly, adding that there were concerns over the effectiveness of the charge of “breach of the peace” is cracking down on sectarian behaviour.
Also giving evidence to the committee, Strathclyde Police Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan said police would not be wading into a football crowd trying to take out large numbers of fans.
And Les Gray, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, told MSPs he thought more resources would have to be made available as current cost estimates related to the bill were “way off the mark”.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Some think the sheer cost of tennis and its middle-class image is stopping Britain producing champions. So why is British golf flying high?
This is the time of year when a rash of early exits by British players at Wimbledon prompts a familiar bout of soul-searching among fans and officials.
While British tennis struggles to replicate the achievements of Fred Perry, 75 years ago, a sport with a similar social status offers a stunning contrast.
In golf, the UK now dominates the world. On top of the stunning victory in the US Open of Rory McIlroy, the UK boasts the world number one and two in the form of Luke Donald and Lee Westwood. With four Britons in golf’s top 10, the UK outranks even the golf powerhouse of the US.
The failure to create a similar situation in tennis has variously been blamed on lack of mental strength, poor facilities, confused funding choices, and inadequate coaching. There are also critics that suggest that the cost of playing tennis in the UK or the sport’s middle-class image is robbing it of potential future stars.
Perry was the son of a Stockport cotton spinner. But the two most successful British men of recent years – Tim Henman and Andy Murray – both came from middle-class backgrounds. Henman was the son of a lawyer who could afford to have a tennis court in the garden.
“It’s a dirtier, rougher, rawer image in France. Wimbledon does us no favours presenting this squeaky clean image”
Paul Jessop Tennis for Free
Murray was sent to Barcelona when he was 15, with the bulk of the £25,000 a year cost paid for by the family. Heather Watson, tipped to be British women’s number one, also had to go overseas at great expense. “The message is you have to leave the country to get better at tennis,” says the Guardian sportswriter Barney Ronay.
The Murrays lived 500 yards from a tennis club. When Judy Murray’s sons needed to play 12 months of the year, they had access to the indoor courts at Stirling University, which was only five miles away.
“If that centre wasn’t there and we’d had to drive 40 or 50 miles to Glasgow or Edinburgh then Andy and Jamie may never have gone down the tennis route,” Murray tells the BBC News website.
And even for those who stay in Britain, tennis is not a cheap sport. Paul Jessop, chief executive at the charity Tennis for Free, estimates that a youngster who wants to compete will have to spend £400 on equipment and £35 a week on private coaching.
Club membership will cost about around £70 a year for a standard club or £100 a month at a top tennis facility. As players progress, some families have decided to invest up to £40,000 a year of their own money. “I was chatting to the mother of one of our talented kids the other day. She said that supporting his tennis was like getting a mortgage,” Jessop says.
The demands on parents are huge, says Murray, who has just launched the charity Set 4 Sport. As the boys improved they needed to travel further afield to compete against better players. Competition entry fees were £20 or £30 to enter. Add to that petrol costs and large amounts of time ferrying, waiting and watching, and it places huge demands on parents.
There have been many bright prospects but only one recent star
Then comes the national and international competition. “I don’t think anyone understands how expensive and time consuming it is to bring someone up through British tennis,” Murray says. “I can understand why a lot of families feel they can’t afford it.”
Golf is also perceived as expensive and middle-class. A set of golf clubs can set you back a substantial sum, and a round of 18 holes at a municipal course might cost £10-20. But in many areas, the nearest course would be a private club which would cost much more.
To pay for Rory’s golfing development, father Gerry worked 100 hours a week as a barman and cleaner, while mother Rosie did the nightshift at a local factory. “I’m a working class man,” Gerry McIlroy declared on the day of his son’s US Open triumph.
In fact in Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of north-western England, golf is more affordable and has a less middle-class image than in the home counties. At the Holywood course where McIlroy learnt his game, juniors pay less than £20 a month. Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood are other top golfers who don’t fit the sport’s middle-class stereotype.
Every golf club has a professional whose job is to bring on the best juniors. “There’s a massive pool of coaches for youngsters as they come into the game,” says Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, the sport’s governing body outside the US and Mexico.
Once young golfers show promise they are taken abroad during the winter for warm weather play over the winter. Tennis does not have the same coaching structure.
The cost of junior tennisBabolat Nadal junior tennis racket: £17.99Adidas tennis T-shirt: £21Adidas tennis shorts: £12Nike city court trainers: £23Wilson tennis balls pack of 12: £18Private coaching: £25 an hourClub membership: 80p- a week at basic club. £25 a month at David LloydCourt fees for park courts: £5 an hourSources: John Lewis, Islington Tennis Centre, LTA, David Lloyd Leisure Group
The Lawn Tennis Association argues that it is investing in future Andy Murrays and Tim Henmans. The sport’s governing body has poured £250m into British tennis over the last five years, largely from the surplus generated at Wimbledon. Last year the LTA spent £19m on tennis coaching and infrastructure and £13.4m on developing talent both at junior and elite level.
But Andy Murray apart there is not another British man in the top 100 and no sign of a budding Nadal or Federer. The situation for British women is slightly different, with two women in the top 100 but no-one anywhere near the top 20.
In 2007 the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton opened at a cost of £40m to support the elite end of the game. But many argue the centre is barely used.
Judy Murray argues that what is lacking is strong regional clubs that can act as hubs to the hugely important small clubs up and down the land. “If someone had given me £40m I would have built 40 £1m centres. It’s more important to grow the game than to stack it all at the top level.”
According to the LTA, over 420,000 people in the UK play tennis regularly. But Jessop says in recent years tennis clubs have closed and the number of players has fallen significantly since the 1980s.
“If we didn’t have Wimbledon – where would we be?”
Andrew Castle
France, which has nine men in the top 100, has about four times as many tennis clubs and many more people playing the game regularly. Without the critical mass of people taking up the game, the UK will have to keep sending their best players abroad to learn their trade.
Some argue the whole culture of the game is wrong in the UK. And cost is a frequent complaint.
The LTA highlights 132 beacon sites that offer some free tennis. But, Tony Hawks the tennis loving comedian who co-founded Tennis For Free, says that weekends – the time when kids want to play – are excluded from the offer.
Tennis for Free runs free coaching on Saturdays in south London and argues that for £3m a year the LTA could roll the scheme out in every borough in the country. But with children expected to pay £5 an hour and club membership on top many are being put off.
There’s also the class issue. The reason tennis has a middle-class image is because that’s not far off the truth, Hawks argues.
His colleague Jessop says that tennis clubs in France have a totally different feeling. “It’s a dirtier, rougher, rawer image in France. Wimbledon does us no favours presenting this squeaky clean image.”
But former professional Andrew Castle says Wimbledon and tennis can appeal to the working classes. He grew up in a chip shop and a council house but was captivated by Wimbledon as a child.
The event is one Britain can be hugely proud of, he says. “There’s universal appeal. It’s a fantastic sporting event, run in a very professional way and makes vast sums of money. If we didn’t have Wimbledon – where would we be?”
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
About 1.2 million applicants missed out on London 2012 tickets in the first ballot 
