Indooroopilly State High School Buildings facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Indooroopilly State High School Buildings
View of Parade Ground between blocks A and C, 2016
Location	Ward Street, Indooroopilly, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Design period	1940s–1960s (Post-WWII)
Built	1953–1963
Architect	Boulton & Paul Ltd; Department of Public Works (Queensland)
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: Indooroopilly State High School
Type	state heritage
Designated	14 October 2016
Reference no.	650035
Type	Education, Research, Scientific Facility: School – state (high)
Theme	Educating Queenslanders: Providing secondary education
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The Indooroopilly State High School Buildings are a special group of buildings in Indooroopilly, Australia. They are important because of their history and design. The school opened in 1954 and still uses many of its original buildings. These buildings were designed by Boulton & Paul Ltd and the Department of Public Works (Queensland). They were built between 1953 and 1963. These buildings are so important that they were added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2016.

Why is Indooroopilly State High School important?

Indooroopilly State High School (SHS) opened in 1954. It was built because many families moved to Brisbane after World War II. More students needed a place to go to high school. The school still has its first seven buildings. They were built from 1953 to 1959.

• A Block (1953–54)
• B Block (1954)
• C Block (1954–55)
• Building A6 (1955)
• D Block (1957–58)
• E Block (1958–59)
• G Block (1958–59)

These buildings show how schools were built in the 1950s. They used different materials and building styles. Some parts were even made in England and shipped over! The school's layout is also special. Buildings are placed to fit the hilly land. They are connected by covered paths and walkways. There are also gardens, stairs, and sports areas. The school has been open non-stop since it started.

How did Indooroopilly grow?

Indooroopilly is about 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) southwest of the Brisbane CBD. In the past, it was mostly farmland. But after the railway opened in 1875, it started to grow. More people moved there, and by the 1920s, it was a busy suburb. The population grew even more after the Walter Taylor Bridge opened in 1936.

Schools were very important for new communities. They helped towns grow and succeed. The government made primary education free in 1875. This meant more children could go to school.

Why were new high schools needed?

After World War II, many more children were born. This was called the "baby boom." Also, many people moved to Queensland. This meant a huge increase in students. The government needed to build many new schools quickly. They had to be built cheaply too.

Queensland often used standard plans for school buildings. This helped save money and time. School buildings in Queensland were known for being good at handling the climate. They had good lighting and air flow. After the war, builders tried new ways to build faster. They used prefabricated parts, which means parts made in a factory.

The government decided to build three new high schools in Brisbane. They wanted to spread schools out in the suburbs. This meant students didn't have to travel far to the city centre. New high schools also had big grounds for sports. They had special rooms for science, cooking, and workshops.

Indooroopilly SHS was one of these new schools. It would serve the western suburbs. The school site was chosen in 1950. It was on high ground and easy to get to. The school grounds grew over time to about 12 hectares (29.7 acres).

Building the first school blocks

Construction of Indooroopilly SHS started in October 1953. The first building, Block A, opened on 2 February 1954. It had 167 Year 9 students. Block A used a mix of building styles. The top floor was made from prefabricated timber units from Boulton & Paul Ltd in England. These parts were quick to put together. The ground floor was built with timber and brick.

The Boulton & Paul system used parts that were 8 feet (2.4 metres) wide. They included walls, windows, and roof parts. These buildings were used in many schools in Queensland. They had large windows for light and air. Classrooms were also bigger than before.

The Department of Public Instruction also created new standard plans. These were similar to the Boulton & Paul buildings. They were long, narrow, and made of timber. They had a verandah (a covered porch) and lots of windows. In 1954, they improved the design. They used timber trusses (strong supports) to create open play areas under the buildings.

Block A was built with classrooms on the top floor. The ground floor had toilets, locker rooms, and some classrooms. Large windows let in light. The verandah faced north, looking towards an area that would become a courtyard.

Soon, Block B was added in 1954. It was connected to Block A by a raised walkway. Block B also used Boulton & Paul parts for its top floor. It had rooms for manual training (like woodwork) and offices. The ground floor had toilets and a large changing room.

How the school grounds grew

The school's outdoor areas were also carefully planned. They added stairs, gardens, and paths. These helped connect the buildings and create places for students to play. Between blocks A and B, they built an entranceway. It had a brick wall with "INDOOROOPILLY STATE HIGH SCHOOL" written on it.

In 1954–55, Block C was added. It was north of Block A. It had classrooms on the top floor. The ground floor was an open play area. A covered walkway linked Block C to Block A.

In 1955, Building A6 was built. It connected blocks A and C at their western ends. It had a large drawing room on the top floor. The ground floor was an open play area with bike racks.

The area between blocks A and C became a flat, bitumen parade ground. Concrete steps and paths were added. As the school grew, rooms were changed for different uses. For example, some classrooms became science labs or a library.

The school kept growing in the late 1950s. Block D was built in 1957–58. It used a new system of steel supports. This allowed for even more open space underneath. Block D had seven classrooms.

A second large courtyard, called "Town Square," was created. Blocks E and G were added around it in 1958–59. Block G was for domestic science (like cooking and sewing). Block E was another classroom block.

The school grounds continued to improve. By 1959, a sports oval was built. New driveways were added in 1960–61. Pathways, stairs, and garden beds were also built around Block E.

By 1960, the school had almost 800 students. In 1964, Year 8 students started high school, making numbers grow even more. Over the years, new buildings were added. The school also got cricket practice wickets, basketball courts, and tennis courts. The creek on the grounds was filled in.

The school held an official opening ceremony in 1988. In 2004, a book was published to celebrate the school's 50th birthday. The school is still a very important part of Indooroopilly. It is a place for learning, sports, and community events.

What do the buildings look like?

Site map of the school, 2016

Indooroopilly State High School is on a 12-hectare (29.7-acre) site. It slopes down from the north. The main entrance is from Ward and Turner streets. The school has its original seven buildings from 1953–59. They are in the middle of the site on a high, flat area. There are courtyards, assembly areas, and play spaces between the buildings. Covered walkways and concrete stairs connect everything. The grounds have gardens, trees, and sports courts.

The seven main buildings are:

• Block A (1953–54)
• Block B (1954)
• Block C (1954–55)
• Building A6 (1955)
• Block D (1957–58)
• Block E (1958–59)
• Block G (1958–59)

These buildings show different ways schools were built in the 1950s. Some used prefabricated timber parts (blocks A and B). Others used timber trusses (blocks A and C) or steel trusses (blocks D and E). Building A6, Block G, and part of Block B were specially designed.

The way the school is planned is still like it was in the 1950s. The long classroom blocks are arranged to fit the land. They create courtyard spaces. Blocks A and C are parallel and linked by Building A6. They form a parade ground. Block B branches off Block A. Block D goes north from Block B. "Town Square" is a large courtyard north of Block C. Blocks E and G form a corner of "Town Square."

Some parts of the buildings are not original. These include air conditioning, new windows, and modern floor coverings. These newer parts are not part of the heritage listing.

Block A: The first building

Block A (left) and Building A6 (right) at the southwest corner of the parade ground, 2016

Block A is a two-storey building with a corrugated metal roof. It has classrooms on the first floor and at one end of the ground floor. Toilets are at the other end of the ground floor. The first floor was made from prefabricated timber parts. The ground floor used timber supports and brick.

The outside walls are made of different materials. These include timber boards and metal sheeting. The south side has large windows. The ground floor has open areas with timber supports. The north side has timber stairs and a verandah. The verandah has a timber floor and bag racks.

Inside, the first floor has classrooms. Some classrooms can be joined by folding timber doors. The ground floor has concrete floors. Some rooms have original doors and blackboards.

Block B: Manual training and offices

South side of Block B, showing prefabricated and purpose-designed sections, 2016

Block B is also a two-storey building with a metal roof and a north-facing verandah. Most of the first floor used prefabricated timber parts. It had classrooms and a store room. The brick ground floor had toilets and a large store room. The western end was specially designed for offices.

The outside uses timber boards and brick. The southwest corner of the office is supported by a thick concrete column. Most of the original timber windows and doors are still there.

The first floor verandah has timber stairs at the eastern end. It has a timber floor and bag racks. The ground floor verandah has a concrete floor.

Inside, the walls and ceilings are lined with flat sheets. The original principal's office had a sink area. The ground floor has concrete floors and brick walls.

Entranceway between Block A and Block B

A raised, covered walkway connects the first floors of blocks A and B. On the south side, there's a two-storey brick wall with an opening. This forms an entrance to the parade ground. Above the opening, it says "INDOOROOPILLY STATE HIGH SCHOOL" in metal letters. There are concrete steps and a garden area. A tall brick planter box and timber stairs are on the north side. A flag pole is attached to the planter box.

Block C: Classrooms and open play

Covered walkway linking Block A and Block C, looking north, 2016

Block C is a two-storey building with a metal roof and a north-facing verandah. The first floor has classrooms. The ground floor was an open play space. It now has brick rooms that are not part of the heritage listing. The first floor is supported by concrete posts and timber trusses. The building is mostly covered in timber boards.

You can get to the first floor by timber stairs at the western end or an internal staircase at the eastern end. The stairs have a special roof. Many original timber windows and doors are still there.

The first floor verandah has a low roof and timber floor. It has bag racks along the edge. Inside, the classrooms have flat walls and ceilings. The ground floor has concrete floors. Some rooms have timber windows and exposed timber supports.

A covered walkway with a flat roof connects the eastern ends of blocks A and C. It is made of timber.

Building A6: Connecting the blocks

Building A6 is a brick building with a metal roof. It connects Block A and Block C at their western ends. It has one large room and a store room on the first floor. The ground floor is open play space. It has some enclosed storage areas. The walls are mostly brick. Large concrete columns support the middle of the building.

The east side of the first floor has many windows. The west side has high windows. You can get to the first floor by stairs at both ends. The ground floor is mostly open with a concrete floor. Some areas are enclosed for storage.

The Parade Ground

The parade ground is between Block A, Block C, and Building A6. It has a flat, bitumen area on the upper level. The lower level has concrete pavement. Long, curving concrete stairs connect the two levels. Modern shade structures and planter boxes in this area are not part of the heritage listing.

Block D: Steel supports

Block D is a long, two-storey brick building. It is built into the sloping land. The top floor is at ground level on the western side. It has classrooms and a west-facing verandah. The lower floor was an open play space but now has more classrooms. Steel supports hold up the ground floor. These are supported by concrete columns and a concrete retaining wall.

The east side of the first floor has many windows. Stairwells at each end are made of brick and glass. The stairs are concrete.

The western verandah has a low roof and concrete floor. It has timber posts and bag racks. Windows are timber.

The first floor has seven classrooms. They are connected by doors. The walls and ceilings are lined with flat sheets. Some classrooms have original blackboards. The lower floor has been changed over time to create more classrooms.

'Town Square' and Stairway

Looking northwest across 'Town Square' towards Block E (right) and Block G (left), 2016

"Town Square" is a large courtyard. It has a lawn surrounded by bitumen driveways. Blocks D, C, G, and E are around it. Two concrete paths cross the lawn. They lead to a wide concrete stairway next to Block E. This stairway goes up the slope to a path to McCaul Street. It has brick walls and planter boxes.

Block E: Classrooms and staff room

Staircase next to the east end of Block E, looking south, 2016

Block E is a two-storey timber and brick building. It has a metal roof and a north-facing verandah. The first floor has classrooms and a staff room. It is supported by concrete columns and steel trusses. The building has brick end walls and timber board cladding. The south side of the first floor has many windows.

The ground floor is higher than "Town Square." You can get to it by concrete steps. The first floor verandah is at ground level at the eastern end. It has a concrete entrance area. A timber stair is at the western end.

The verandah has a low roof and timber floor. It has bag racks. Windows are timber. Inside, the walls and ceilings are lined with flat sheets. Classrooms have original blackboards.

The ground floor has toilets and open play space with a concrete floor. The steel trusses are visible. A timber bench is in the play area.

Block G: Domestic science

Block G is a single-storey brick and timber building. It has a metal roof. It has different sized rooms for domestic science, like a dressmaking room and a cooking room. These rooms are linked by a passageway on the western side. The east wall has many windows.

The main entrance is a covered porch at the south end. It has brick walls and a large glass screen. There are brick stairs with a metal rail. Another entrance is on the north side, connecting to Block E.

The western passageway has a timber floor and glass louvres. Inside, the walls and ceilings are lined with flat sheets. Some parts of the interior have been changed since the 1970s.

A covered area links Block G to Block C's western staircase. A garden bed has been changed for an access ramp.

Driveways and Grounds

The bitumen driveways from McCaul Street and Ward Street have concrete edges. The southwest driveway has stone retaining walls.

The school grounds have many gardens and mature trees. The northern part has a native forest. This makes a nice background for "Town Square." There are also eucalyptus trees around the grounds.

Tennis and basketball courts are west of the main buildings. The large Sports Oval (built around 1959) is in the low-lying southern part of the grounds. It has open playing fields and mature trees. A metal gate with "I S H S" is at the north end of the oval.

Why is this school a heritage site?

Indooroopilly State High School was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2016. This means it is important to Queensland's history.

• Shows how education changed: The school shows how state education and school buildings developed in Queensland. Its buildings from 1953–59 are good examples of government designs.
• Shows growth after WWII: It shows how secondary education grew in Queensland after World War II. New schools were built with more facilities.
• Modern planning: The way the buildings are laid out shows new ideas in school planning from the 1950s. Buildings were placed to fit the land and allow for growth.
• Special building methods: Blocks A and B used prefabricated timber parts from England. This shows how builders used new methods to deal with material shortages after the war.
• New structural designs: Blocks A, D, and E used new structural systems. These allowed for open play spaces under the high school buildings.
• Smart landscaping: The school's stairs, paths, gardens, and walls show new ideas in landscaping from the 1950s and 60s. They made school playgrounds better and more beautiful.

What makes it a special school?

Indooroopilly State High School shows what a Queensland state high school from the 1950s was like. It has:

• A master plan with long, narrow buildings.
• Buildings linked around open courtyard spaces.
• Large, landscaped grounds with shade trees, assembly areas, and sports fields.

The Boulton & Paul classrooms in blocks A and B are good examples of prefabricated buildings. You can see how they were built from modular parts. They have gable roofs, verandahs, and large windows for light and air.

The buildings with timber and steel trusses (blocks A, D, and E) show how new structural systems were used. These systems created open play areas under classrooms. You can still see these trusses.

The classrooms in blocks C, D, and E are good examples of standard timber school buildings. They have verandahs, large windows, and special lighting above the verandah roof.

Building A6, Block G, and the west end of Block B were specially designed. They met the school's needs for drawing, domestic science, and offices. They are still mostly original and part of the school's plan.

The intact outdoor features like brick planter boxes, concrete stairs, and bitumen areas show new landscaping ideas from the 1950s. These ideas made school playgrounds more useful and attractive.

Connection to the community

Schools are very important to communities in Queensland. They connect students, parents, and teachers. They are places for social events and volunteer work. They also show how a local area is growing and what it hopes for.

Indooroopilly State High School has a strong connection to the community. It opened in 1954. Many generations of students from Brisbane's western suburbs have gone there. The school is important for education in Indooroopilly. It is also a central place for the community.

See also

• History of state education in Queensland
• List of schools in Greater Brisbane

Images for kids

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  Indooroopilly State High School, 1959