Students at nine high schools in Queensland, Australia, were mistakenly taught about Augustus Caesar instead of Julius Caesar for their ancient history exam, leading to exemptions from the state-wide test on Wednesday.
The curriculum error came to light on Monday, just days before the exam, causing panic among the 140 affected seniors who had been studying the wrong Roman ruler. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek described the experience as "extremely traumatic" for students.
Langbroek announced that the students would not have to sit the exam and would receive credit based on their assessment for the remaining 75 per cent of their marks. The exam typically accounts for 25 per cent of the year's grade.
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority stated that it had informed schools two years ago that the topic would change to Julius Caesar in 2025, after four years of studying Augustus Caesar. Authorities are now checking all 172 schools in Queensland to ensure no others were affected.
Parents complained that the confusion distracted students from preparing for other exams, including one held earlier on Wednesday. Langbroek has pledged an investigation into the mix-up and assured that affected students would not be disadvantaged.
