Guildford Primary School

Statement of Significance

The place is the oldest continuously operating, purpose built government school in Western Australia. It has operated on its current site since 1870 and although substantially modified, portions of the original building are still in use;

The place is highly valued for the role it has played in the community and the activities it has supported;

The buildings dating from 1870 to 1919 and the mature landscape of the place is a positive contribution to the presentation of the site and to the aesthetic character of the historic town of Guildford. In particular, those surviving remnants of Richard Roach Jewell's 1870 building have a reasonable level of integrity and present tangible reminders of the longevity of the school;

The place is highly valued as an integral part of the historic village of Guildford for its location, setting and design. The growth and change of the village are reflected in the fabric of the school grounds and buildings;

The progressive development of the fabric of the place illustrates the types of facilities considered appropriate during distinct periods of development in Western Australia. The portions of the main building, dating from 1899 to 1919, were designed and built by the Public Works Department;

The 1899-1919 additions to the place represent a major growth period of the school, the town and Western Australia in general and are highly valued by the school community for their scale and form and for the quality of the environment they provide; and

The former latrines and shelter sheds are also of standard designs implemented by the Public Works and Education departments and reflect the development of school grounds in the 1940s. The former boys' shelter (bicycle shed) is the most intact example of this type of facility at the place.

The prefabricated Bristol classrooms have little significance although they demonstrate how the Education Department coped with increased school populations in the post-war period.

The recent additions to the place, including the pre-primary and toilet/entry block have little significance although they demonstrate the character of development sought by the school community, in response to community- based education policy.

Physical Description

A Government Primary School consisting of three sections. The earliest section is believed to have been constructed in around 1867. New additions are in keeping with the original. The early two toned Flemish bond brickwork is still visible. The School Masters residence forms the earliest section of the building. It was partly demolished around 1900 and a new section was added. Two other buildings were located west of the school; an early mud brick building (demolished) and a new headmasters residence opposite Ethel Street (built 1920s and demolished in 1960s). More recent additions of the pre-primary school have been made in 1993 along the Helena Street frontage.

History

The original parts of the school include the hall and general usage area. The school is an important building that has been developed and extended with the economic growth of Guildford. The school oval was filled in and developed in 1967. A large mature oak tree is located to the north of the school grounds and is a sign of early plantings.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.