Make marking this summer series stress-free by following these ten handy hints.

1. Write your marking dates in your diary

Write the start and end dates in capital letters if you have to - don't let them start without you. Unsure of your marking dates? Then read through your contract. This will show you all the dates you need.

2. Read through the exam paper

Familiarise yourself with the questions and standard answers before you start - don't let there be any surprises. If you haven't received a set of standardised answers then contact your awarding body.

3. Prepare to be Standardised

You've got to go, so make the most out of attending the Standardisation Day as it will make your job easier. Make a note of any questions for your Team Leader beforehand and remember to mark and take any sample exam papers with you. Your awarding body will tell you what they expect from you on the day.

4. Make your day-job easier

You'll probably still have to go to work during the exam marking so pre-prepare anything that's going to make your day-job easier over the marking period. Time and brain-power is finite, so if you are a school teacher make sure your lesson plans are up-to-date, and if you're self-employed try to manage your working priorities to allow enough time for marking.

5. Count those calories

Once marking begins you aren't going to have time for everything in your daily routine such as your weekly supermarket shop. Get supplies in before you are really busy. Try and keep up your energy levels during the marking session by eating healthily, and don't forget to keep up your exercise routine.

6. Check your marking tools

If it's been a while since you last used your red marking pen - check it still works. For on-line markers, try logging in to the marking software before you need to. If things don't work, you'll find it will be much quicker to sort it out now before your Team Leader gets busy.

7. Plan your marking time

Nothing will give you a bigger psychological lift than knowing you are ahead of schedule. Divide the number of marking days you have by the number of papers you need to mark to give yourself an estimate of your daily workload. Remember to allow for a night off once a week to recharge your batteries.

8. Stock-up on official forms

Running out of the correct form to record your marks half-way through marking will put your schedule right out of the window. Check you've got enough official stationery to last you out - if not order more from your awarding body before you start.

9. Ensure key telephone numbers and email addresses are to hand

Finding the contact details of your Team Leader, or the awarding body Helpline phone number, during moments of marking is challenging enough. Enter the number on your mobile phone or write them out before you start and place in a prominent place. Also consider saving key email addresses to your contacts.

10. Reward yourself

After the last tick is in place, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back and treat yourself. Why not go out for a meal, play a round of golf or take yourself and your family out for the day.