To make sure a word is included in the search attach the +sign to the front of the word. To make sure a word is not included attach the -sign to the front of the word. Use * at the end of a word to make sure the search includes all possible endings. You can also use "quotes" to keep all the words together e.g. "Parramatta High School".
Searches can also be narrowed by selecting sites on a language basis e.g. by selecting English you will not be offered sites in any other language.
If you are not sure of your terms you can refine before you search - go to Advanced search, enter your terms, click the refine button and you will be presented with categories; include the categories you want and exclude those you definitely do not want in your search and then click on the search button.
By using the Advanced Search option you can use Boolean expressions - combine search words using AND, AND NOT, OR, NEAR (words must be found close to each other in the text) to refine your search.
To combine terms try using (brackets) e.g. (Australia AND beach*) AND NOT Sydney