Reported as some sort of test flight after a C check. To my knowledge, the A320 doesn't normally require a test flight after a C check (unless some elements of the flight controls have been worked on/replaced).
Most items for a test flight are done with the on-board BITE equipment on the ground pre-flight, thus removing the need for switching off major control power during flight. Having done dozens of post-maintennce test flights on non-fly-by-wire a/c I totally agee that things can be discovered that one wouldn't want a line pilot to have to deal with. I've had an engine not spooling up at stall recovery (15000 ft) and a 737 that would turn only one way in Manual Reversion (hydraulic power off) but was fine with the hydraulics on. None of these items are normally required on an A320 test flight.
If it was doing circuits it sounds more like a training flight.