Applecross Senior High School

Statement of Significance

The elements of cultural heritage significance are identified as the site (the location of the first Government high school in the district), the landscape as open space, and the open spaces accessible to the community. The buildings, although representative, are disparate in architectural design and not assessed to have relevant heritage value. Other high schools exist to justify entry onto the State Register of Heritage Places.

Physical Description

The site comprises a disparate collection of school buildings, landscape and grassed open spaces and playing fields.

History

Applecross Senior High School was established on the site in Ardross in 1958, much extended later from the initial post World War Two period to the 1990s, to accommodate changes in educational policy and practice by the State Government education authority. High schools had been constructed in the 1950s at Midland Junction, Mount Lawley, Armadale and Fremantle prior to the Applecross High School and its contemporaries at Hollywood and Kwinana.
Applecross was developed and subdivided for residential building in the period 1890s to 1910s – intended as a 'model suburb for wealthy residents'. Development was slow, impacted by World War One and the Depression.

Following World War Two, War-service housing development was introduced into the locality, increasing the resident population and the demand for new schools.
The first section of Applecross Senior High School was occupied for teaching in 1958. Since that beginning, considerable additions, alterations and new built elements have been introduced onto the campus, including library, swimming pool, Science block, Manual Arts, gymnasium, prevocational centre, Performing Arts and Crafts. Applecross Senior High School attained the status of a representative, but not unique, Government high school. Some only public use of the amenities currently takes place out of school hours.

Condition

Buildings – some deterioration Landscape and site – sound.

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.