Today’s physics news: Dyson claims vacuum secrets were sold to a German rival; Trainee teacher tests to get more difficult

Here is the physics news for Friday 26 October 2012.

Trainee teachers to face tougher entry tests

Entry tests for people wanting to become teachers will be more rigorous to raise the quality and standing of the profession, the government says. Teacher trainees in England face tougher tests in English, mathematics and reasoning from next September. They were developed by a panel of heads and experts following complaints current tests were too easy.

BBC

Owning A levels ‘not advisable or feasible’

Universities have rejected plans to take “ownership” of A levels by insisting qualifications should remain the government’s responsibility. Under the proposals each A level would need to be endorsed by at least 20 universities, of which 12 must be “deemed to be leading research institutions”. In its response to the consultation by exam regulator Ofqual, Universities UK has said “we do not think it would be advisable or operationally feasible for the sector to take on the ‘ownership of the exams’”.

Times Higher Education

Vacuum makers Dyson claims a spy was selling secrets to German rival

Dyson has filed papers at the High Court alleging that a worker at its Wiltshire base stole the blueprints and passed them to its rival, Bosch. It demands that the German manufacturer returns the details of the technology. Dyson alleges that the unnamed employee was paid £11,650 by Bosch for passing on details of its “secret motor technology” over a two-year period.

Telegraph