Rockhampton Grammar School Buildings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rockhampton Grammar School Buildings |
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Administration block, 2009
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| Location | Archer Street, The Range, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1880 - 1951 |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Rockhampton Grammar School | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600781 |
| Significant period | 1880s-1900s (historical) 1880s-1890s (fabric) 1880s ongoing (social) |
| Significant components | memorial/monument, school/school room |
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The Rockhampton Grammar School Buildings are a special group of buildings in Rockhampton, Australia. They are important because of their history and design. These buildings are located on Archer Street in The Range. They were built between 1880 and 1951. The buildings are officially listed on the Queensland Heritage Register since 1992. This means they are protected for their historical value.
Contents
A Look Back: The School's Early Days
The Rockhampton Grammar School first opened its doors in 1881. The main building, which is now called the Administration Building, was built in 1880. It was designed by a local architect named Sidney Williams. This building has two floors and is made of brick.
Why Was the School Built?
The Rockhampton Grammar School was the fourth grammar school in Queensland. Grammar schools were private schools that received some money from the government. They were very important for providing secondary education (high school) in the early days of the colony. People started talking about building a grammar school in Rockhampton in the 1870s. A piece of land near the town hall was even set aside for it.
Choosing a Location and Design
In 1878, the first group of people in charge, called "trustees," were chosen. They picked a new spot for the school on the Athelstane Range. The next year, Sidney Williams won a competition for the best building design. A well-known builder and politician, John Ferguson, won the contract to build it. The original cost was £4,580. However, the government's main architect, FDG Stanley, suggested some changes. These changes included making the foundations deeper and adding another verandah. This made the cost go up to £6,026. The contract did not include furniture or getting the school grounds ready. The school's first sports oval wasn't finished until 1900.
What the First Building Was Like
The school building was built high up, overlooking the town. It had rooms for the headmaster, dormitories for boys who boarded there, and classrooms. People at the time said it stood out in the landscape. Its beautiful and airy location was thought to be perfect for educating young people.
From 1881 to 1886, the school had both a boys' and a girls' section. John Wheatcroft was the first Headmaster, from 1881 to 1906. After him, Frederick William Wheatley took over in 1906. Then, Henry Arthur Kellow became Headmaster in 1912 and stayed until 1935.
School Life and New Additions
In 1921, a special war memorial was unveiled. It honored the former students who served in World War I. The Australian Governor-General, Lord Foster, was there for the ceremony. The memorial was paid for by donations. It was designed by architects Hockings and Palmer, based on an idea from Headmaster Kellow. It was made from white marble. The brick base, covered with granite, was finished later in 1924. The school also received a German trench mortar, a war trophy, in 1921.
In 1928, the PF MacDonald Memorial Pool was built. It was also designed by Hockings and Palmer. During the Great Depression, the government helped with some improvements. New tennis courts were built, and a road was made from the pool to Wheatcroft Street. More improvements were made to the school grounds in the 1930s. The curator of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, HG Simmons, gave advice on planting trees and landscaping.
Changes and Growth Over the Years
Fitzroy Jardine, a former student, became Headmaster in 1936. He led the school until 1964. Many new buildings were added during his time. In 1940, more rooms were added to the north wing of the main building. These new rooms included two classrooms and a dormitory. After World War II, the school bought two buildings from a military camp. These were used as a dormitory and a recreation room for students who boarded at the school. More changes were made to the main building in 1951. The south verandah was enclosed, and the dining room was made bigger.
In 1957, the old gymnasium (built in 1889) was taken down. This made space for the new Jardine Science Block and the Boland Wing. In the same year, the Old Boys club rooms were moved to the school. They became the Second World War Memorial Hall. In 1960, a memorial drinking fountain was dedicated. It honored nine boys who sadly died in a plane crash that year. The Macfarlane Wing was built in 1965. A big building program started in the 1970s. This included the Headmaster's residence (1970), the Palmer Wing (1970), the library and resource centre (1972), the Woolcock Science Block (1973), and a second sports oval (1975).
In 1972, Arthur Edward Cross Butler became Headmaster. In 1977, the school started accepting both boys and girls. A dormitory for girls was built. The Main Building also had many changes. Its brick fronts were replaced, and balconies were removed. The bell tower was replaced with steel in 1986. More additions were made to the building in 1987, with a new wing at the back.
More recent building work includes the Centenary Centre (1981), new tennis courts (1981), an assembly area (1984), a library and humanities centre (1987), and the primary department (stages 1 and 2 in 1989 and 1990).
What the Buildings Look Like
The Rockhampton Grammar School is located on a ridge of the Athelstane Range. It looks out over Rockhampton. The school grounds include many buildings built from 1880 until today.
The Main Administration Building
The Administration Building is the most important building. It is a two-story brick building shaped like a "U". The front (eastern side) has three parts that stick out. Most of the building has been changed over time. However, the outside of the middle part, which used to be the main entrance, is still mostly original. Also, the inside of the trophy room is still very much the same.
The middle part that sticks out has a brick base and a terrace on the first floor. Above it is a triangular top part called a pediment. An eight-sided tower, called a belvedere, rises above the roof. The brick base has white stone-like blocks at the corners, called quoins. It also has two arched windows with decorative frames. These windows are on either side of a doorway with columns and a small pediment. The terrace has thin round columns and wider square pillars at the corners. The pediment has fancy floral designs and the school's symbol in the middle. The belvedere has an eight-sided roof on eight round columns. It has a wooden fence-like railing. The roof has a tall weathervane, and a bell hangs from a frame underneath.
The Trophy Room
The trophy room is on the ground floor of the northern wing. It is part of a common area for students. The room has wooden honor rolls all around the walls. It also has wooden French doors with wooden frames. The most important part of this room is a war memorial. It is a white marble plaque with a beautifully carved pediment and decorative top part on round columns. The plaque and its frame sit on a granite base, which has a black marble plaque.
The outside of the central part of the building and some parts of the trophy room have very fine details. Around the Administration Building, there are also many old, large trees. A small wooden shelter, built around 1910, is located on the western side of the upper oval.
Why is it a Heritage Site?
The Rockhampton Grammar School was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This is because it meets several important requirements.
Showing Queensland's History
The school, which opened in 1881, helps us understand how education developed in Queensland. It shows the important role that grammar schools played in the high school system. It also shows how Rockhampton grew as a town.
Its Beautiful Design
The school is valued for its beautiful features. It stands out in the town and is a landmark. The Administration Building's central front part and the trophy room have very detailed and beautiful designs.
Special Connection to the Community
The school has a very special connection with the Rockhampton Grammar School community. This includes the trustees, headmasters, teachers, and students. It is important to them for social and cultural reasons.
Link to Important People
The school is also important because of its connection to the work of Sidney Williams, a well-known architect from Rockhampton.
