Getting youngsters to knuckle down to the serious business of preparing for their exams can be a tough task for many parents. For those teenagers who are struggling to find the motivation to get started, Education Reporter Haydn Lewis takes a look at some top tips for revision this Easter holiday.

THE prospect of exams on the horizon casts a shadow over the holiday period for many youngsters across the country.

But the burden of revision can be made easier with a bit of well-timed preparation.

Simple steps to avoid stress further down the line can include:

Draw up a timetable: Having a plan ensures things won't get left to the last minute, and breaks revision down into bite-size chunks, making it seem more manageable. Make sure you factor in breaks and rewards, so there is always something to look forward to

Find a quiet and tidy place to study at home: It is hard to concentrate if you are constantly being distracted

Make sure you eat plenty of brain food: It is very hard to concentrate when hungry, but eating the wrong type of food can make you lethargic and unable to focus. Remember the three Fs: Fish - which is rich in vitamins A, C, E and lecithin, which is thought to improve memory and concentration. Fresh vegetables - packed with vitamins and minerals, making you more productive. Fruits and nuts - providing you with energy

Ensure you take time off from revision: All work and no play is never a good thing, and it will help revision to think about something else for a while. Go for a walk in the park, or visit a leisure centre - just to get away from the books.

Many youngsters also find that revising in groups with their friends can help, as there is someone to test them and share ideas with.

In addition, there are a range of helpful websites, see below.

The benefits of working hard for GCSE and A-Level exams pay off in later life, allowing youngsters to choose from a broader careers spectrum.

Aimhigher is a Government programme to encourage more young people from backgrounds with little or no family experience of higher education to go to university or college.

The Aimhigher roadshow will be visiting a number of schools in York from June 8 to 13, and in Selby from June 14 to 16.

The team will be bringing along its interactive trailer, and talking to young people about the benefits of higher education.

Angela Workman, who has been touring schools and colleges in Yorkshire area with the Aimhigher roadshow, said: "No one in my family had been to university and, at first, I wasn't really sure about whether higher education was right for me.

"After some investigation, I realised that a higher education qualification would open up so many more doors, offering better jobs and a brighter future.

"Now, I'm really glad I made the effort with my exams. I've been talking to young people across Yorkshire encouraging them to give it a go and see just how far college or university can take you."

Handy revision websites

www.bbc.co.uk/education/

schools/revision - Bite-size revision notes and self tests for most subjects at all levels.

www.schoolzone.co.uk - Has many links to revision sites.

www.schoolsnet.com - More than 100 revision units with comprehensive content, revision tips, glossary and self-mark tests.

www.homeworkhigh.com - English, maths, science, geography and French. Ask the experts questions or delve through the library to find out the answers.

www.topmarks.co.uk - Lots of links for pupils, parents and teachers on many subjects.

www.sparknotes.com - Crib notes on novels and poetry.

www.absoluteshakespeare.com - Essays, notes and quotes from the Bard.

www.aimhigher.ac.uk - To see the different career paths after school.

Updated: 10:26 Wednesday, April 19, 2006