QCE cheat codes: Biology whiz kid’s tips for Year 12 exam

A Nudgee College alumnus who achieved the highest biology score in the state has offered his cheat codes for smashing science in the Year 12 exams.

A Nudgee College alumnus who achieved the highest biology score in the state has offered his cheat codes for smashing science in the Year 12 exams.

Declan Cabot graduated as the dux of Nudgee after graduating in the Covid-disrupted class of 2020 with an ATAR of 99.90.

He also was named one of the state’s top 40 achievers and was a recipient of the QCE’s distinguished academic achievers award.

While juggling a bachelor of medical science, Mr Cabot is also a biology tutor at 100Coach.com.au - a collection of the state’s top 0.03 per cent of past-QCE performers.

Just weeks out from the first biology exams on October 31, Mr Cabot has offered his own how to guide for railing the papers.

Declan Cabot former dux of St Joseph’s Nudgee College.

He urged Year 12 students to ensure they read the syllabus thoroughly.

“Looking at past QCAA or mock papers, many of the questions include direct reference to the syllabus wording of questions, for example, explain the process of DNA replication,” Mr Cabot said.

“You need to understand what the syllabus cognitive verb is requiring of you.”

Mr Cabot said it was possible to pre-prepare responses as the wording of questions related to dot-points asking to explain, describe or differentiate did not differ significantly.

He said practice exam papers that included data analysis could best prepare students for syllabus requiring an appraisal or analysis.

Mr Cabot encouraged students to revise by using the practice paper and attempt to answer all the questions first before marking them.

“Avoid checking marking guides between questions as this disrupts your rhythm and does

not facilitate memory formation as effectively,” he said.

“Focus primarily on QCAA sample papers when attempting exam condition study as the wording of questions from some external company papers are still more closely aligned to other states’ systems.”

Mr Cabot said flashcard programs like Anki and Quizlet proved helpful for studying on the go.

“I am a big believer in the motto ‘You get what you work for, not what you wish for’, so ultimately if you want to achieve highly in your subjects be prepared to make some short

term sacrifices for long term gain,” he said.

100Coach.com.au director Andrew Kroger said its online courses delivered classes taught exclusively by young tutors who achieved the highest score possible.