Kalgoorlie Primary School

Statement of Significance

Assessment of Significance: Kalgoorlie Primary School has aesthetic value as a complex of two fine Federation Arts and Crafts buildings in an open landscape setting. (Criterion 1.1)

Kalgoorlie Primary School is representative of the development and rapid growth of primary schools in the Eastern Goldfields following the first gold discoveries in the mid-1890s. The place was the first Government primary school building in Kalgoorlie. (Criterion 2.2)

Kalgoorlie Primary School is associated with Government Architects George Temple-Poole, John Grainger and Hillson Beasley, who were responsible for many of the era's public buildings. (Criterion 2.3)

Kalgoorlie Primary School is also associated with a number of notable teachers and students, including student Wallace Kyle, who later became Governor of Western Australia. (Criterion 2.3)

Kalgoorlie Primary School is valued by the people of Kalgoorlie for providing a sense of place and for its educational and social associations. (Criteria 4.1 and 4.2)

Kalgoorlie Primary School is one of the most architecturally complex school buildings of its era. The place is also unusual in that the school's pattern of growth over time is highly legible in the finishes and details. (Criterion 5.2)

Kalgoorlie Primary School is representative of the development and rapid growth of primary schools in the Eastern Goldfields. (Criterion 6.2)

Kalgoorlie Primary School is representative of the school design work of Government Architects George Temple-Poole, John Grainger and Hillson Beasley. (Criterion 6.2)

Statement of Significance: Kalgoorlie Primary School, comprising the Senior School and Infants' School, two single-storey stone school buildings with gabled roofs in the Federation Arts and Crafts style, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:

- the place has aesthetic value as a complex of two fine Federation Arts and Crafts buildings in an open landscape setting;

- the place was the first Government school building in Kalgoorlie and is associated with Government Architects George Temple-Poole, John Grainger and Hillson Beasley, and former student, Wallace Kyle, Governor of Western Australia;

- the place provides a sense of place to the people of Kalgoorlie, generations of whom commenced their education there;

- the place is representative of the development and rapid growth of primary schools in the Eastern Goldfields and is one of the more complex examples of its type.

The finishes and internal design fit-out of the administration area of the Senior School, and the air conditioning in the Infants' School, are considered to be intrusive. Other buildings on the site are considered to have little heritage significance.

Physical Description

:
Some re-modelling has occurred, particularly in the entry area of the Senior School.

For a discussion of the physical evidence, refer to Considine et al, 1997.

History

For a discussion of the documentary evidence, refer to Considine et al, 1997.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Moderate to High

Condition

Fair

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.