Using Past Papers for A Level Physics Revision

Using Past Papers for A Level Physics Revision Power of the Past Paper ChaptersLook at the Mark SchemeDon’t Forget the Chief Examiner's ReportGet to Know the Exam Paper Inside OutStudy With FriendsTest ConditionsFinding Past PapersPast papers are an essential revision tool. They are the best way to find the areas that you need to improve on. Finding the gaps in your knowledge in preparation for your exams will leave you feeling confident. Past Papers are a way of testing yourself and ensuring that your revision is paying off.They are the closest thing you'll get to a practice run of the exam itself and will help you get to grips with exam technique.Do every past paper you can find, as many times as you can. Getting used to the past papers will help you to understand the way your subject is structured. There is so much you can get from past papers to really set you up for success.Here’s our tips on getting the most out of A Level physics past papers.Even if you know your topic inside out, it doesn't mean you will get the marks if you don't know what the marker is looking for. Exam papers are more than just what you know, how you write that down counts too!Be succinct in your answers, don't waffle on with descriptive words. The examiner is looking for key points that efficiently and correctly answer the question. Think explanation not description.Self-marking your past papers against the mark scheme will also help you spot areas where you have gaps in your knowledge and so can help focus your revision efforts.Check here for a physics maths tutor here.Find A level physics past papers online. (Photo credit: David Feltkamp via VisualHuntDon’t Forget the Chief Examiner's ReportThink of the chief examiner's report like a cheat-sheet on what not to do on an exam. The report compiles comments from all examiners in one year and details the most common mistakes students make and what they did wrong.These are really useful as they let you know what examiners are looking for. By reading through them, you can learn what not to do, and wha t mistakes you need to avoid.While you won’t know exactly what will come up on your exam it is good practice to get into the exam mindset, thinking of how the questions will be marked so you can effectively demonstrate your knowledge on the paper.Use your papers as motivation; if you didn't get a great score on one, don't panic. Use this as motivation to go and revise and learn about the topics you struggled with in the paper. If you got a good score then don't hesitate to write your score on the front of the paper in bold pen. Keep it somewhere where you'll see it daily. It will serve as a great confidence booster if you're ever feeling overwhelmed by all of your revision.Finding Past PapersYou can find past papers and chief examiner reports on the website of your exam board.There you'll find past papers from previous years and there will also usually be papers from summer exams and resit periods so there will be plenty to practice with.Good luck and happy practising!How to revis e for your physics exam.