How do top VCE Methods/Specialist students actually study? Looking for real strategies, not generic advice

Hey guys! I’m trying to refine how I study for Methods and Specialist, and I’d really like to hear from students who consistently perform at the top end. I’m not just asking about “doing more practice questions,” but how you actually learn a new topic from scratch.

When you start a new chapter, what’s your process?
Do you stay a chapter or two ahead, follow the teacher’s pacing, or only do the recommended/tick‑sheet questions instead of grinding the whole exercise? I’m curious whether strong students genuinely complete every textbook question, or whether they focus on exam‑style problems, concept summaries, and targeted practice instead.

I’m also interested in how you make topics stick long‑term.
What techniques do you use to actually internalise the content?

Some context: I'm in year 11 doing unit 2 methods and specialist maths. I’ve started making an Active Recall Sheet, where I rebuild the entire topic from memory - re‑deriving formulas, drawing diagrams, explaining concepts, then checking afterwards. It’s helping, but I want to know what other high achievers do to build deep understanding and exam‑level speed.