How to Revise AQA Psychology Using Past Papers (Without Burning Out)
Introduction
If you want an A or A* in AQA Psychology, past papers are one of the most powerful revision tools you have. But most students use them wrong — they jump straight into full papers, burn out, score low, lose confidence, and avoid past papers altogether.
This guide shows you how to use AQA Psychology past papers properly, so you build skills gradually, reduce stress, stay consistent, and actually improve your grades over time.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear revision system you can repeat every single week — plus free resources to help you practise AO1 + AO3 the right way.
1. Start With “Micro-Past Papers” (Not Full Papers)
Most students sit down and attempt a full Paper 1… then crash out halfway through.
Instead, use micro past papers — small, targeted sections from real exams:
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1 × 4-mark explanation question
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1 × 6-marker
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1 × 16-marker
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1 × research methods short question set
This gives you:
✔ quick wins
✔ faster learning
✔ less overwhelm
✔ more focused skill-building
If you want practice 16-markers, start with a model answer like this one:
👉 Free A* Psychodynamic Model Essay
Read it, break it down, and then try writing your own version using a fresh past paper question.
2. Use the PBWC Structure for Every 16-Marker
The biggest jump in grades happens when students stop “waffling” and start writing structured evaluation paragraphs.
PBWC =
P — Point
B — Because (explain using theory)
W — Why this matters (evidence + studies)
C — Counterargument- Then link back to your HOOK
Most top students use this structure for EVERY AO3 paragraph.
If you want help applying PBWC, you can use Cornell-style notes or practise writing PBWC paragraphs fresh each week.
3. Study the Mark Scheme Like a Teacher
AQA mark schemes tell you exactly:
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what earns credit
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what gets capped
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what counts as AO1
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what counts as AO3
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what markers want in 16-markers
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the wording the exam board prefers
After attempting a past paper question:
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Compare your answer to the mark scheme
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Highlight where you gained AO1
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Highlight where you gained AO3
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Circle missing features
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Rewrite ONLY the missing part
This is how you improve fast — not by writing full answers over and over.
4. Rewrite Your Weakest Paragraph Only (The Secret to Fast Progress)
Never rewrite the whole essay.
Rewrite ONLY the weakest section:
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If AO1 was unclear → rewrite AO1
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If AO3 was vague → rewrite AO3
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If the evidence didn’t support your point → rewrite PBWC
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If your link to the hook was weak → rewrite the link
This saves HOURS and builds mastery.
This is also the ideal way to use your notebooks if you want to stay organised:
👉 Use a fresh page to rewrite your weakest paragraph clearly.
5. Track Your Past Paper Progress (So You Don’t Burn Out)
Students improve faster when they can see their progress.
Use a simple tracker:
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Paper attempted
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Score
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Strengths
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Targets
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What to do next
If you don’t have one, here’s a free printable:
👉 Download the Past Paper Tracker (PDF)
This keeps motivation high and prevents burnout.
6. Use Free Model Essays Before Attempting the Question Yourself
Before writing a full 16-marker:
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Read an A* example
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Highlight AO1
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Highlight AO3
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Note how PBWC is used
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Identify the hook question
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THEN try writing your own version
Here are three free A* examples:
7. Organise Your Revision Topic-by-Topic
Past papers test multiple topics at once.
Your job is to revise:
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Biological
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Cognitive
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Behaviourist
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Social Learning Theory
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Psychodynamic
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Humanistic
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Research Methods
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Paper 2 + Paper 3 topics
The fastest way to stay organised is to give each topic its own section (or notebook).
If you want a ready-made way to keep topics separate, you can use the A5 notebooks by topic.
Example:
👉 View the approaches Notebook
Each topic stays in its own place — no more “where did I put that?” stress.
8. Attempt a Timed 16-Marker Once a Week
Timing practice is essential.
Aim for:
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6 minutes for AO1
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14 minutes for AO3
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2-minute final check
Total: 22 minutes
If you don’t finish in time — shorten your AO1, not your AO3.
⭐ 9. Analyse One Full Paper Per Month
Not WRITE — analyse.
Go through each question and ask:
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What topic is this assessing?
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Which AO1 points are needed?
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Which AO3 points are needed?
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What research methods are hidden?
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What “twist” is the examiner using?
You learn faster by analysing papers than by writing full ones.
10. Use the Past Papers Hub Weekly (It Does the Hard Work for You)
You now have everything in one place.
👉 AQA Psychology Past Papers Hub
Use this every week:
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Pick ONE question
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Break it down
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Use PBWC
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Rewrite your weakest paragraph
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Track progress
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Move on
This system works — consistently.
Conclusion
Past papers are the most powerful tool for improving fast in AQA Psychology — but only if you use them in small sections, analyse your gaps, and build better paragraphs week by week.
Start with one question today, use the tracker, download the free Psychodynamic essay, and practise PBWC.
Your confidence — and your grades — will build every single week.
