"When conducting the bi-annual flight as an instructor, there are certain basics I expect a student to know and do....ie demonstrate AIRMANSHIP, and surely this includes pre-flight planning?"
Exactly.
On the taxi out.
So I assume you have the NOTAMs for the day. Oh, good where do you get them from? How have you ensured they cover the area in which we will be operating today. You do realise there has been an increase in flying display infringements and the CAA will prosecute.
.. .. .. and I assume you have the weather? What is it and where did you get the information from.
So let me see - that takes all of 5 minutes.
No - if you are doing bi-annuals focus on the areas that are really causing pilots a problem if you possibly can, and if you are the regulator encourage examiners to do so. It can be fitted in to the one hour made available but it is a matter of ensuring the emphasis is in the right place.