Last-Minute Revision Toolkit for AQA Psychology Paper 1 (You Can Use Tonight)

by Yum Yum Mama Team May 11, 2025

You've got just days until AQA Psychology Paper 1 — and this is when the panic kicks in. You don’t need to buy a colour-coded planner or watch 4 hours of YouTube. You need fast, focused tools that will help you revise smarter starting tonight.

Whether you're cramming Attachment, brushing up on Memory, or wondering if you even remember the studies, this last-minute revision toolkit is designed for you.

1. Use a Mini Whiteboard for Rapid AO1/AO3 Recall

Forget rewriting notes. The fastest way to spot gaps is to actively recall key definitions, studies, and evaluations.

🟢 Pro tip: Use a mini whiteboard or even a plastic wallet with a whiteboard marker — write, recall, wipe, repeat.

📎 Mini Whiteboard Set – Amazon
📎 Plastic Wallets + Marker Hack – Amazon

2. Set a Pomodoro Timer (It Actually Works)

Can’t focus? Use the 25/5 method:

25 minutes revision
5 minutes break
Repeat 3x then take a longer rest

🟢 You can use your phone, but a physical timer stops you getting distracted by WhatsApp.

📎 Cute Study Timer – Amazon

3. Download My “Rapid Recall Sheet” (Free Printable)

Need to squeeze AO1 + AO3 into one revision session?
Use this printable to:

Bullet key definitions
Write mini evaluations (PBWC style)
Quiz yourself solo or with a friend

📝 Download it here – PDF Instant Access

4. Self-Care Boosts

You don’t need a 10-step beauty routine to feel better — self-care during revision is about protecting your energy, focus, and sanity. Here are a few easy, non-cosmetic things that actually help:

1. Try 4-7-8 Breathing Before You Start

Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, breathe out for 8. Do it 3 times.
It takes 60 seconds and helps your brain shift out of panic mode — especially useful before starting an exam question.

2. Use Background Sounds to Stay Focused

Block distractions and create a study vibe with:

Lo-fi beats
Rain sounds
White noise playlists

📎 Mini Bluetooth Study Speaker – Amazon

3. Do a 2-Minute Brain Dump

Before you revise, jot down anything on your mind:

“I’m nervous about Memory.”
“I don’t know the difference between compliance and internalisation.”
“I just want to pass.”

Then move on. It clears mental space so you can actually focus.

4. Get Up and Move for 5 Minutes

Stand. Stretch. Walk to the kitchen. Dance to one song.
Your brain needs movement to stay alert. You’ll come back feeling sharper — especially if you’ve been sat revising for an hour.

📎 Standing Desk Footrest – Amazon (optional)

5. Make a Hot Drink (Then Revise One Topic)

Whether it’s peppermint tea or a hot chocolate, a warm drink sends a “reset” signal to your brain.
Pair it with your trickiest topic and it won’t feel as intimidating.

📎 Herbal Tea Sampler – Amazon

5. Go for Marks, Not Perfection

Revise what’s most likely to come up. You don’t need everything.
Focus on:

Key studies
Essay planning
Structure (AO1/AO3/PBWC)

Then stop. Get rest. Go in with confidence.

Final Words:

This week is about working smart, not hard. Use tools that make revision active, quick, and actually work. You’ve got this.