Shakespeare's reputation and language can seem daunting. So how do you make his work accessible? How do you open up his extraordinary world to your teen? Here are some tips from Bell Shakespeare's artistic director John Bell. Watch a good live Shakespeare production or DVD to get a feel for the language. Read a text that comes with a translation in modern language; it can help kids understand the language better. Suggest to your teen to imagine they are a detective who has to do some sleuth work to really understand the play. Discuss what... Read more

You can now easily subscribe to updates from the award-winning website for parents, School A to Z. Each term you'll receive newsletters with the latest information to help you manage your child's homework and study, health, development and technology use. School A to Z has been created by parents at the education department to answer the common questions and challenges we all face as we support our kids growing up. This month's newsletter includes: a series of videos to help you when bullying becomes an issue for your child tips for getting... Read more

Yr 10 and Yr 9 students and parents were invited to attend an information evening to outline changes to Year 10 for 2012. The information covered The new Record of School Acheivement, N warnings, and school based assessment. The Premier's Students Volunteering Scheme was also introduced to students and parents as a means of being officially recognised for volunteer work that students do. Rosa information (pdf, 161 KB)... Read more

An MP3 player, such as an iPod, is an essential item for many kids but listening to them for long periods of time can cause permanent hearing loss. And the experts say the volume doesn't have to be ear-splitting to cause damage. The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Conversation is generally 60dB. Traffic noise can be around 80dB. Louder noises, such as a plane taking off, a motorcycle or firecrackers can range from 120dB to 140dB. Listening to music at levels above 80 decibels is going to damage hearing. The... Read more

Well done to Claire Sheather (vocal solo) and Khyana Shilston (harp incidental music), who both performed at the Hunter/Central Coast Principals Conference at Crown Plaza Terrigal on the 29th and 30th of March.... Read more

Earth Hour is an event organised by WWF and held every year in March. It is about encouraging individuals to turn off electricity and think about climate change. To celebrate Earth Hour all Year 9 Science students formed the symbol to Earth Hour on the school oval and they also watched the Earth Hour Video to highlight this event. Congratulations to Mrs Guthrie and 9S2 for organising this event. Amanda Barrale Head Teacher - Science Narara Valley High School... Read more

A new website and mobile app have been launched to help parents and students address bullying. The Bullying, No Way! website includes interactive applications, including a choose- your-own-adventure game for students to learn how to deal with bullying, and videos for parents and students. The site also includes information on: helping your child if they are being bullied identifying the signs that your child might be bullying others getting help and support. The website and the Take a Stand Together mobile app were launched to coincide with... Read more

On Thursday the 8th March the first International Womens Day Assembly was held at Narara Valley High School. The theme for 2012 womens day was ‘Connecting Girls Inspiring Futures' and this was certainly the outcome of such a successful event. The assembly was attended by all female students and a number of female staff of Narara Valley High School. It began with some inspirational performances from YR 12 student Jessica King and YR 11 student Shenai Kendall; both girls used their amazing singing talent to kick off what was to be an exceptional... Read more

2012 marks the 20th Year of Star Struck in the Hunter Central Coast Region. Star Struck is a Perfoming Arts event that includes over 3,500 students performing a range of items that includes - dance, music drama, and is staged over 4 performances at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre 100 days from now. At the official Launch (at the Newcastle Museum) it was announced that XSTRATA COAL will be the new major sponsor of the event. CAPA student Lilia Jackson, as one of the featured vocalists, was invited to sing at the opening. Her performance... Read more

Can kids really do their homework and multi-task? Parents around the world are divided on this. Half watch their teenagers sitting among a pile of books, ear buds in, computer on, TV humming in the background and think, "I wish I could multi-task like that". The others stride across the room, pull the plug on the distractions, and ask the age-old question: "How can you study with that on?" Somewhere along the line we seemed to have absorbed the idea that teenagers can multi-task perfectly because they're digital natives. Perhaps we read it... Read more

Don't forget to keep all your receipts from back-to-school expenses so that you can take advantage of the Education Tax Refund. The refund gives eligible parents and caregivers a 50 per cent refund on a range of primary and secondary school education expenses, including school uniforms. For the 2011-2012 financial year you may be eligible for the following: Primary school child You can claim a maximum of $818 for each of your primary school children – that is a refund of up to $409. Secondary school student You can claim a maximum of $1,636... Read more

The Education Minister spoke about the new Record of School Achievement credential that will replace the School Certificate at a Sydney school. The attachment includes FAQ's. ROSA information update (pdf, 271 KB)... Read more

A suite of resources, including the School A to Z website and the annual back-to-school hotline, is available to help parents prepare for the new school year. School A to Z website The School A to Z website provides you with practical help to get involved and support your children's learning and includes a webcast on the theme of ‘Getting off to a great start at school'. The School A to Z webcast answers commonly asked questions that range from how to motivate children for learning, to tips on how to manage technology use at home, bullying,... Read more

All year 12 students are advised that all assessment tasks due today have been postponed due to the flooding at Narara Valley High School. The English task scheduled for today will now be held in early Term One. 2012. Students will be advised of the date via email.... Read more

Rebecca Hope was named Senior Cadet of the Year 2011 for the St Johns Ambulance Cadets at their presentation night. Rebecca is a Corporal in The Cadets and has been a member for the past 5 years. This award recognises her achievements throughout the year in activities such as badges and courses completed. Rebecca was also successful in the First Aid Competition with a first place.... Read more

HSC results released this week were very pleasing for the 2011 cohort. Emma Horn has achieved the highest ATAR score in the exams. (94.65). 4 students achieved above 90 ATAR (used by the Universities to rank students for course entry) and many others in the 80 + range. Yr 12 can be very pleased with their efforts. 19 band 6 results were achieved across a number of subjects. A pleasing number of subjects were on or above state average. This is very encouraging. Shari Wallace has had one of her HSC Dance pieces included in the CALL BACK... Read more

The state's most talented young singers, dancers and musicians displayed their skills during four exciting and extravagant performances at the 2011 Schools Spectacular, held recently at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. If you missed the live shows or if you just want to enjoy it all again, you can catch the highlights on ABC TV. Two telecasts are scheduled (check your local TV guide for confirmation): 7.30pm Sunday, 18 December on ABC1 (1hr version) 7.00pm Saturday, 31 December on ABC2 (2.5hr version). The brilliantly choreographed and... Read more

Now that you've received your HSC results, you may need help with what to do next. A free phone and email careers advisory service is available for students and their families from Thursday 15 December 2011 to Friday 6 January 2012, and is provided by the NSW Department of Education and Communities. Experienced careers advisers will be available on 1300 300 687 or via the Careers Advisory Service website to answer your enquiries and provide advice about career and study options. If you need assistance in clarifying course choices, employment... Read more

Narara Valley High School Expo 2011 6th December Featuring the following:- 5-5.30pm School Band performing in the Hall. 5.30-6pm Parent and Year 6/7 Information talk in the Hall. 6-6.30pm Official Opening by Glen A Baker. 6.30pm-8pm Faculty displays in the · Studio · Hall · Performance space · Lab 6 · B5 · Library... Read more

Due to the dangerous nature of the flooding around Narara Valley High School, the school has been advised that all students/staff were to be moved out of the school as soon as we are able to do so. The SES has co-ordinating the rescue. Students have been bused to North Gosford LEarning Centre located off Jarrett St ( near North Gosford Private Hospital). Parents have been called and we are requesting that students be picked up if possible.... Read more