Year 12 students at top state school taught wrong subject for external exam

Ancient history students at Brisbane State High School have been taught the wrong topic for their year 12 external exam, with families informed just two days before they are due to sit the test.

In a message sent to families on Monday, the senior humanities head of department said it had “come to our attention” the school had taught the wrong topic for the ancient history external examination on Wednesday afternoon, offering her “sincere apologies”.

The correct topic for the exam is Julius Caesar.

Students were taught a unit on the emperor Augustus instead.

The QCAA’s ancient history syllabus external assessment unit four featured Augustus in 2024 but changed to Julius Caesar in 2025.

“Unfortunately, due to the nature of the examination, QCAA cannot write an additional paper for us,” the teacher wrote.

“They have assured us that the examination is skills-based, and although we have deviated from the prescribed topic our students will be able to be successful in the exam.”

The teacher said, on advice from the QCAA, the school would submit an access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA) for the cohort outlining the error, so it could be considered when marking students’ work.

The school has compiled a resource on Julius Caesar so students can cram before the exam, and teachers will be available from 8.30am to 3.30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.30am to 11.35am in a classroom to run through practice exams and answer questions before the exam.

However, year 12 students also have to sit their English exam on Tuesday morning.

QCAA acting chief executive officer Claude Jones said it became aware on Monday afternoon that the school had taught an incorrect topic.

“We are now working closely with the school’s staff to ensure that no student is disadvantaged,” he said.

“Schools are notified of the topic for the ancient history external exam more than 12 months in advance.

“The school is submitting a whole-cohort illness and misadventure application so that special consideration can be applied when student results are finalised.

“Our assessment experts will apply additional quality assurance processes when marking these exam responses.

“Students have already completed 75 per cent of their assessments in this subject.

“The QCAA is committed to ensuring every student receives fair and accurate results.”

An Education Department spokeswoman said State High identified the incorrect content had been taught on Monday.

“The school has designed a plan for the two impacted classes, which was communicated to parents and students immediately along with an updated resource pack,” she said.

Extra support will be provided by the school’s student services team on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“The department and school are deeply sorry for this mistake and are supporting students and families during this time.”

The Brisbane State High 2025 senior course guide, available online, says ancient history unit four features Julius Caesar.

In 2017, a NSW teacher was sacked after he taught the wrong maths course to HSC students for more than seven months.

The teacher had been teaching two year 12 students and five year 11 students mathematics general 1, a course that did not count towards HSC or ATAR requirements, instead of mathematics general 2 for more than seven months.

That error was discovered within two months of HSC exams in October.

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