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 very old and important public primary school in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia. It's located on Crown Street. The school is known for its beautiful old buildings, which are listed as heritage sites. It was designed by George Allen Mansfield and built in 1869.
Contents
History of Crown Street Public School
Crown Street Public School has a long history, starting way back in April 1863. It first opened as Bourke Street National School. This early school was in a building rented from the Bourke Street Congregational Church.
Finding a New School Site
By March 1876, the school needed more furniture. The school board also asked the Council of Education to find a better place for a new public school. The church where the school was located also wanted higher rent. They felt it was time for a proper public school in the area.
The Council of Education decided to buy land from W. M. MacKenzie. This land was right behind the rented school building. The current school site on Crown Street was bought in 1877.
Moving to Crown Street
In March 1878, the school moved into three temporary wooden buildings on the new site. At this time, the school's name officially changed to Crown Street Public School.
The number of students grew very quickly. The temporary buildings became crowded and uncomfortable. By May 1878, there were 1,035 children enrolled. This number jumped to 1,405 by the end of that year. By 1879, 1,608 children were attending!
Building the Permanent School
Because of the overcrowding, a permanent school building was started in 1879. It was designed by G. A. Mansfield, the Council of Education's architect. The goal was to fit about 1,200 students. The main two-story building was finished and opened in May 1880. The old temporary buildings were then moved to another school.
Even with the new building, the school was still very full. New classrooms were added in a separate building in 1890. By 1892, there were 1,720 students!
Religious Education and School Changes
Many Jewish children attended Crown Street Public School. In 1896, the Headmaster, Mr. Banks, wrote about how Jewish religion classes were taught. For 16 years, two special Hebrew teachers came to the school. They taught Jewish children for two hours each week.
More buildings were added over the years. In 1897, a two-story building with classrooms was built. This building was made even bigger in 1911 to create an infants' school with eight classrooms. The main building was also updated 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. For example, from 1913 to 1947, there were special classes for boys interested in business. From 1929 to 1960, it even had a high school for girls.
About the School Buildings
Crown Street Public School has a large, two-story main building. It is built in a style called Gothic Revival. The walls are made of brick with sandstone details around the windows and roof edges. The building has beautiful brickwork.
The school's design is not perfectly symmetrical. A tall, three-story tower with a metal spire is a main feature. The roof of the main building is steep and covered with corrugated metal.
The school is built on a small hill above Crown Street. In the school grounds, there is a special monument called a cenotaph. It honors former students who served in wars. Stone steps and fences lead up to the school from the street.
Building Condition
The school buildings are in good physical condition. They have been well-maintained over the years.
Building Changes Over Time
- 1869: The main building was constructed.
- 1897: Additions were made to the school.
Why Crown Street Public School is Important
Crown Street Public School is a very important part of the history of Surry Hills. It shows how the area grew quickly in the 1860s to 1880s as more people moved there for work.
The school building itself is a great example of Victorian-era architecture. Its design and location make Crown Street look very interesting. It stands out among other old buildings in the area.
The school was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it is officially recognized as a place of historical importance.
Famous People Who Attended Crown Street Public School
Some notable people who were students at Crown Street Public School include:
- Eric Harrison: An Australian politician and diplomat.
- Tas Jones: A talented athlete who was a swimmer, diver, and played both rugby union and rugby league.
- Victor Trumper: A famous Australian cricketer.
See also
- List of public schools in Sydney
