Edexcel asked families of those who have just completed GCSE, AS, A level or other examinations to add to its register of top tips for those who are about to sit the 2006 summer examinations which start on the 15th May.  This is their advice for students who will be revising over the Easter holiday:

Tips to students from those who have recently taken exams

" Create a realistic revision timetable - and stick to it - allow yourself time to cover your workload
" include regular breaks and "chill time" in the plan - and stick the timetable on the fridge so your parents don't nag as they know it is your time to relax
" find the way to revise that best suits you - keep bullet points on crib cards for quick revision or 'talk' your revision onto a cassette tape, MP3 or CD and play it back before you sleep
" make sure you have one weekend day when you don't do revision or think about exams - you need time to relax and will come back to it refreshed
" start to think about where your exams are and when they start
" make sure you have the right equipment and you know what you can and can't take in with you - such as calculators and mobile phones - you don't want to be accused of cheating.

Tips to parents of students from parents of those who recently took exams

" A dedicated, quiet space with good natural light or lighting is best for studying, with no distractions. If you have other children make sure they understand the importance of revision time
" offer to help with testing or ask if there is anything that you can do - make sure they are aware that you are there to support them
" know when and where each exam is, making sure they are prepared the night before
" make sure they are taking breaks and that they have an evening a week away from studies
" help them to eat well by providing a healthy diet rather than sugary snacks or junk food
" ensure they get an early night before the exam
" Keep calm - nerves are contagious!

All the tips and others can be found on Edexcel's newly revamped Examzone - a site for students and parents where you can find revision timetable and exam planner, links to study zones for topics and subjects, what your results slip looks like and a host of other useful information.  A new feature on the site includes a range of past papers for GCSE, AS and A levels for students to use for revision, and to practice examinations. These papers, never before available to students from the Board, come with examiners' reports and the mark schemes and some model answers.  http://www.examzone.co.uk/home/

Jerry Jarvis, Edexcel's Managing Director, said: "Using past papers is a tried and tested formula for teachers to help students to understand what the examiner is looking for.  They should look at where the most marks are on the paper and see how to maximise their chances by answering the most valuable questions.  Past paper practice can help students become familiar with the style of exam papers."