Key Takeaways
- The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) sent memos to all Queensland schools in 2023 and 2024 about the change in subject for the ancient history exam, but some schools failed to notice or prepare for the change.
- The investigation found that personnel changes, ineffective handovers, and a lack of clear communication from the QCAA contributed to the problem.
- The QCAA website was criticized for being difficult to navigate, with no single page for all necessary information on a subject.
- Schools suggested that a registration process for the assessment, similar to that used for English and other subjects, could have prevented the problem.
- The Queensland Government has announced changes to the QCAA board, aiming to bring fresh skills and prevent similar errors in the future.
Introduction to the Issue
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) faced criticism after it was discovered that nine schools in the state had not prepared their students for the correct subject in the ancient history exam. The subject for the exam was changed to Julius Caesar, but many teachers and students were under the impression that it would be on Augustus, which had been the subject for the previous five years. An investigation into the matter found that memos about the change in subject were sent to all Queensland schools in 2023 and 2024, but some schools failed to notice or prepare for the change.
Causes of the Problem
The investigation found that a combination of factors contributed to the problem. In some schools, personnel changes and ineffective handovers led to a knowledge gap, with new staff members not being informed about the change in subject. In other cases, teachers assumed that the subject would remain the same as it had been for the previous five years and did not expect it to change in the final year of the syllabus. The retention of mock examinations and resources on Augustus, and the absence of Julius Caesar resources on the QCAA website, also amplified a confirmation bias that Augustus was the external examination topic in 2025. This lack of clear communication and confusion led to many schools not being prepared for the correct subject.
Criticism of the QCAA Website
The QCAA website was also criticized for being difficult to navigate, with no single page where all necessary information for a subject could be found. School staff complained that the website lacked a user-friendly interface, making it hard for them to find the information they needed. This lack of clear information on the website contributed to the confusion and misinformation that led to the problem. The investigation found that both QCAA and school personnel from affected and non-affected schools made consistent and constant references to the usability of the QCAA website, highlighting the need for improvement.
Proposed Solutions
The investigation suggested that a validation or registration process for the assessment, similar to that used for English and other subjects, could have prevented the problem. This process would require schools to register for the assessment ahead of time, ensuring that they are aware of the subject and are prepared for the exam. The QCAA could also play a stronger role in mitigating the potential for problems by improving communication and providing clearer information on its website. The Queensland Government has announced changes to the QCAA board, aiming to bring fresh skills and prevent similar errors in the future.
Government Response
On Tuesday, the Queensland Minister for Education, Langbroek, said that he had told the QCAA, the Non-State School Accreditation Board, the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, and the Department of Education to ensure that lessons are learned from this unacceptable error. He highlighted the changes to the QCAA board made in November, which he said brought fresh skills needed following the ancient history saga. The Minister’s statement emphasizes the importance of learning from the mistake and taking steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Conclusion
The ancient history exam saga highlights the importance of clear communication and effective processes in education. The investigation found that a combination of factors, including personnel changes, ineffective handovers, and a lack of clear communication, contributed to the problem. The QCAA website was also criticized for being difficult to navigate, and schools suggested that a registration process for the assessment could have prevented the problem. The Queensland Government has announced changes to the QCAA board, aiming to bring fresh skills and prevent similar errors in the future. By learning from this mistake, the education system can improve and provide better outcomes for students.