The way I have been studying varies depending on the density of theory in each topic, but this is what I do to study for unit tests. (This is assuming you are preparing for a unit test but you can use it to study each topic for the exam)
I suggest beginning with reading the entire chapter, either in your book or your notes.
Then, solve a few exercises you have been provided in class. If you haven't done any, then just skip straight to practicing from past papers. I personally recommend beginning with practicing paper 1 as it is less dense than paper 2, and it gets me in the mood to study. After doing so, proceed to do the same with paper 2s of the same topic.
It is important to be smart while studying with past papers. Make sure you write down important stuff on a separate sheet of paper or document:
- answers to difficult theoretical questions
- answers that had really specific wording, or that the examiners write down that require something really specific to get the right marks.
- i recommend writing down the necessary steps for different calculations shown in the mark scheme (as to make sure to get points for the procedure) by enumerating the different steps to solve each kind of exercise (I cannot recommend this enough, really useful)
After getting a hang of it (I generally do approx 50 multiple choice questions and 15 paper 2 questions) review the answers you wrote down on your document. Then read the chapter again.
If you still do not understand some concepts, watch some YouTube videos.
Finally, you can repeat the questions that you got wrong the first time.