What the Research Says

Past papers familiarise you with AQA question formats and time pressure. Practising under exam conditions (1h 45m per component) is the most effective preparation (Roediger & Karpicke, 2006).

Step-by-Step Method

1. 1
   Source papers — Download from the AQA website.
2. 2
   Timed paper — 1 hour 45 minutes, no notes.
3. 3
   Self-mark — Use mark schemes. Note gaps.
4. 4
   Categorise errors — Knowledge, technique, or timing?
5. 5
   Target weaknesses — Use other techniques to fill gaps.
6. 6
   Repeat — Track improvement.

When and How Often

About 2.5 hours per cycle. Do 3–4 before the exam.

Common Mistakes

• ❌
  Not marking — Review is the learning.
• ❌
  Only recent papers — Use all available.
• ❌
  Ignoring timing — Practise allocating time per question.