Crown Street Public School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crown Street Public School |
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| Address | |
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356 Crown Street, Surry Hills
, Australia
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| Coordinates | 33°52′56″S 151°12′55″E / 33.8823°S 151.2152°E |
| Information | |
| School type | Government of New South Wales, Primary school |
| Motto | Equity and Excellence in Education since 1849 |
| Established | 1863 |
| Status | Open |
| Educational authority | NSW Department of Education |
| Principal | Craig Nielsen |
| Enrollment | 283 (31 December 2018) |
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Building details
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | George Allen Mansfield |
| Official name | Crown Street Public School |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 562 |
| Type | School – State (public) |
| Category | Education |
| Builders |
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The Crown Street Public School is a historic public primary school in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia. It is a "heritage-listed" site, meaning it's an important old building. The school was designed by the famous architect George Allen Mansfield and built in 1869.
Contents
Discovering Crown Street Public School's History
The story of Crown Street Public School began in April 1863. It was first known as Bourke Street National School. The school started in a building rented from the Bourke Street Congregational Church.
Finding a New Home for the School
By March 1876, the school needed more furniture. The Council of Education decided it was time to find a new, better place for the school. The church also thought a proper public school was needed for the area.
In 1877, the current site on Crown Street was bought. Three temporary wooden buildings were quickly put up. The school moved into these in March 1878. At this time, its name changed to Crown Street Public School.
Growing Pains: More Students Than Space
The school quickly became very popular. By May 1878, 1,035 children were enrolled! This number grew to 1,405 by the end of that year. By 1879, there were 1,608 students.
The temporary buildings were crowded and uncomfortable. Some teachers even asked to move to other schools because of the conditions. Everyone knew a new, permanent building was needed soon.
Building the Permanent School
Construction of the main school building began in 1879. It was designed by G. A. Mansfield, the Council of Education's architect. The plan was to fit about 1,200 students.
The builders, Mr. A. Scott and Messrs Mackay and Son, started work in July 1878. The new two-storey building was ready in May 1880. The old temporary buildings were then moved to another school.
Even the new building wasn't big enough for all the students! The school had to limit how many children could enroll. In 1890, new classrooms were added in a separate building. By 1892, there were 1,720 students.
School Life and Changes Over Time
In 1883, the headmaster, Mr. Banks, complained about a picture on a nearby house wall. It was considered "objectionable" and was eventually painted over.
Many Jewish children attended Crown Street Public School. In 1896, Mr. Banks wrote about how Jewish religion classes were held at the school. Two special Hebrew teachers taught the children for two hours each week.
More additions were made in 1897, including a two-storey building for classrooms. This building was made even bigger in 1911 to create an infants' school with eight classrooms. The main building also had major changes inside in 1924.
Secondary Education at Crown Street
For many years, Crown Street Public School also offered secondary education. From 1881 to 1960, older students could attend.
- From 1913 to 1947, there was a special department for boys learning business skills.
- From 1913 to 1928, there was a department for girls learning home economics.
- From 1929 to 1960, it even had a girls' intermediate high school.
What the School Looks Like
Crown Street Public School is a large, two-storey building. It is built in a style called Gothic Revival. The walls are made of brick with sandstone details around the windows and roof.
The building has a unique, uneven shape. A tall, three-storey tower with a metal roof and a pointed top stands in the middle. The main roof is steep and covered with corrugated metal.
The school sits on a small hill above Crown Street. In the school grounds, there is a small memorial dedicated to former students who served in wars. Stone steps and fences lead up to the school from the street.
Crown Street Public School's Heritage
Crown Street Public School is an important part of Surry Hills' history. It shows how quickly the area grew in the late 1800s. The school building is considered a great example of Victorian architecture. It adds a lot of character to Crown Street.
The school was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site.
Famous People Who Attended
Many notable people were students at Crown Street Public School, including:
- Eric Harrison – an Australian politician and diplomat.
- Tas Jones – a talented athlete who excelled in swimming, diving, and rugby.
- Victor Trumper – a legendary Australian cricketer.
See also
- List of public schools in Sydney
