Sherwood State School facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sherwood State School
View across parade ground from Block D to Block A (left) and Block B (right), from northeast, 2016
Location	464 Oxley Road, Sherwood, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Design period	1870s–1890s (Late 19th century)
Built	1874–1974
Architect	Boulton & Paul Ltd, Department of Public Works (Queensland)
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: Sherwood State School
Type	state heritage
Designated	15 July 2016
Reference no.	650032
Type	Education, research, scientific facility: School-state
Theme	Educating Queenslanders: Providing primary schooling
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Sherwood State School is a historic school located at 464 Oxley Road, Sherwood, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The school buildings were built between 1874 and 1974. Designers included Boulton & Paul, Ltd and the Department of Public Works (Queensland). It used to be called West Oxley National School. The school was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 15 July 2016 because of its special history and design.

A Look Back: Sherwood State School's History

Sherwood State School first opened in 1867. It was known as West Oxley National School back then. It was built to teach children in a growing farming area near Brisbane. As more students joined, new buildings were added and old ones were made bigger.

In 2016, the school still had several important old buildings. These included a building from 1887, a timber school building from 1917, and two "sectional" school buildings from 1923 and 1937. There was also a special pre-made building from 1952 and a building for learning trades from 1952. The school grounds have play areas, sports fields, stone walls, and old shade trees. Sherwood State School has been open non-stop since it started. It has always been a key place for the local community.

Early Days and Growth

The area around the school was once called West Oxley. It was part of the traditional lands of the Turrbal and Jagera people. Sherwood got its name from Sherwood Forest in England because it had many trees. Cutting down timber was a big job here early on.

After Queensland became its own colony in 1859, the land was divided into farms. People started growing crops because the soil was good. They sent their produce to market using nearby Oxley Creek. The main road from Brisbane to Ipswich also passed through the area. To help the growing community, a school was opened in West Oxley in March 1867.

The government thought providing education was very important. National schools started in New South Wales and continued in Queensland. The Education Act of 1860 helped make schools more standard. By 1875, Queensland had 230 schools. The State Education Act of 1875 made primary education free, required, and not linked to religion. This helped most Queensland children learn to read and write by 1900.

Schools were important for new communities to grow. Local people often gave land and helped build schools. Schools became a symbol of progress and a source of pride. War memorials and community halls at schools helped connect people and provided places for events.

The Queensland Government created standard plans for school buildings. From the 1860s to the 1960s, most school buildings were made of timber. This was cheap and easy. Standard designs were improved over time to fit new needs. Queensland schools were good at using design to control climate, light, and air flow.

The first West Oxley National School had a school room and a teacher's house. They were designed by architect Richard Suter. The local community helped pay for about one-third of the building cost. In its first year, 64 children attended the school.

When the railway arrived in 1874, more people moved to the area. The land around the school was divided into smaller blocks. Student numbers went up and down, but by 1885, there were 180 students. In 1878, the school's name changed to Sherwood State School. In 1887, a new classroom wing was added.

The new building was a standard design from 1880. Robert Ferguson, who designed schools for the Department of Public Instruction, focused on ventilation. His timber buildings had sloped ceilings and vents to keep them cooler. They also had more windows, but these were high up.

School Grounds and Community Spirit

School grounds were also very important. Play areas and sports fields were included for children's activities. Trees and gardens were planted to make schools look nice. Arbor Day started in Queensland in 1890. Planting trees taught children about hard work and made the school grounds beautiful. In 1891, bunyas, jacarandas, and other trees were planted at Sherwood. People hoped the school grounds would look "very pleasing" in a few years.

View from Sherwood Road to Block A (centre) and Block B (left), from south, 2016

View to Block A, from southwest, 2016

Sherwood was hit by the flood of 1893. The school grounds were covered in water. Despite the floods and a tough economy, student numbers kept rising. In 1900, the 1887 school building was made bigger.

By 1914, there were 285 students. In 1916, the original school building was removed. A new three-classroom building was built in 1917. This building (called Block A today) had the latest designs for good air flow and light. It had a special roof vent and large windows.

In December 1919, a memorial tablet was put up in the new school room. It honored past students who served in World War I. War memorials are important tributes to people from a community who served in wars.

Growing Pains and New Designs

After World War I, Sherwood continued to grow. By 1922, there were 661 students! To handle this, two "sectional school buildings" were added in 1923 and 1937. These new buildings were connected to Block A.

The "sectional school" design was created in 1920. It was a tall timber building that was very practical and good for the climate. It allowed schools to easily add more classrooms as they grew. These buildings often had many windows on one side for light.

The first sectional school building (Block B) was built in 1923. It had three classrooms and a teacher's room. The second sectional school building (Block C) opened in 1937. It was similar to Block B. The 1887 building (Block D) was moved and changed to be used for younger children.

View to Block B, projecting teachers room and Boulton & Paul extension (right), from northwest, 2016

The school grounds were also improved. In the 1930s, stone-pitched terraces were built to help with drainage. The school grounds were made bigger in 1933, adding more space and large gum trees. Tennis courts and playing fields were also improved. Much of this work was done by people who were unemployed during the Great Depression. The government started projects like this to help people find work.

World War II and the Baby Boom

Like many schools, Sherwood was affected by World War II. Because people worried about a Japanese invasion, many coastal schools closed in January 1942. When they reopened, going to school was optional. Trenches were dug at schools to protect students from air raids. At Sherwood, trenches were dug near the tennis courts. A First Aid Post was also set up under one of the school buildings.

After World War II, Australia's population grew a lot. This was called the "baby boom". Schools became very crowded. New buildings were needed quickly and cheaply.

At Sherwood State School, student numbers jumped from 519 in 1945 to 856 in 1955. More classrooms were added. In 1951, a new classroom was added to Block C.

New buildings were also planned for special subjects like domestic science (cooking, sewing) and manual training (woodwork, metalwork). Before this, students had to travel to other schools for these lessons. These subjects were important for teaching practical skills.

In 1952, a special timber building for vocational training (Block G) was built. It had areas for domestic science and manual arts. Also in 1952, a pre-made building from Boulton & Paul in England was added to Block B. These buildings were used in many schools because there was a shortage of building materials after the war. They were designed to be flexible and have lots of windows for light and air.

More changes happened in the 1950s. Block D was extended with more Boulton & Paul classrooms. New staff rooms and other buildings were added. Student numbers peaked at 1034 in 1959.

Recent History

In 1962, a tuckshop was built. In 1964, land was bought across the street for a swimming pool, which opened in 1967. The school grounds flooded again in 1974.

The vocational building (Block G) was changed in 1976 and again in 1991-92 to be used for special education and administration. Other school buildings (Blocks A, B, C, and D) were also updated in the 1980s and 1990s. Walls were removed to create more open-plan teaching areas.

New buildings have been added more recently, including an Activities Hall around 2000 and a Multi-purpose Hall in 2010. The school grounds still have many old trees, like hoop pines, gum trees, and jacarandas.

In 2016, Sherwood State School was still operating from its original site. It remains a very important part of the community. Generations of students have learned there, and it continues to be a place for many social events.

What the School Looks Like

Site plan, 2016

Sherwood State School is on a large, 7-hectare site in Sherwood. It's about 8 kilometers southwest of Brisbane's city center. The school is at the corner of Sherwood Road and Oxley Road. The school buildings are on the higher western part of the site. A large playing field is on the eastern side, separated by stone walls.

The important historic buildings include:

• A timber school building (Block A, 1917) facing Sherwood Road.
• Two "sectional" school buildings (Block B, 1923; and Block C, 1937) on either side of Block A, connected by covered walkways.
• A special pre-made building (part of Block B, 1952).
• A school building designed by Ferguson (Block D; 1887, moved and changed in 1937).
• A timber building for learning trades (Block G; 1952).

The school grounds also have many old trees and landscaped areas. The school buildings with their timber designs make the street look nice and are a landmark in the area.

Suburban Timber School Building (Block A)

Block A is a tall, timber building with a balanced design. It faces east-west and has covered walkways (verandahs) on its east, west, and south sides. It has three classrooms. The roof has a special "Dutch-gable" shape and a tall vent called a "fleche." A teacher's room is attached to the south verandah.

The outside walls are made of timber. The verandah walls are lined with wooden boards. The north wall has many windows, which are now modern sliding ones. The south wall has large windows that open outwards. The verandahs have timber floors and low railings. Steps connect Block A to Blocks B and C.

Inside, there are two large classrooms and a central smaller area. The original layout had three equal classrooms. The walls are lined with wooden boards. The ceilings are sloped and have vents.

Sectional School Buildings (Block B and Block C)

These buildings are also tall, timber structures. They have covered walkways along their north side and many windows on their south side. The roofs have a "Dutch-gable" shape, and Block B has a tall roof vent. Both have teacher's rooms that stick out from the verandahs.

The outside walls are timber. The verandah walls and ceilings are lined with wooden boards. The classroom walls and ceilings are also lined with boards.

Block B – 1923

This building has two large classrooms (it used to have three). Parts of the verandah have been enclosed to create small kitchen or amenity areas. Steps connect this building to Block A.

The south wall has three large sets of windows. The teacher's room has windows that open outwards.

The area under the building is partly enclosed and used for storage.

Block C – 1937 and 1951

This building has a computer room and a two-room library. An extra classroom from 1951 is connected to it. The eastern part of the north verandah is enclosed with windows. The open western verandah connects to Block A.

The south wall has four large sets of windows. The teacher's room has windows that open outwards.

The area under the classrooms is enclosed with brick walls and used for workshops and storage. The area under the teacher's room is now an office.

A later extension from 1956 north of the teacher's room has a staff room and computer room. It connects to Block D with a covered walkway.

Boulton & Paul Building (Block B – 1952 extension)

This pre-made building is attached to the west end of Block B. It's a single classroom building, set lower than the 1923 classrooms. The north verandah has steps and a glass screen.

The outside walls are made of narrow timber boards. A sign on the west wall says "SHERWOOD STATE SCHOOL." The south wall has many windows that open upwards. The verandah wall has a double-hung window and glass doors to the classroom.

The classroom walls and ceiling are covered with sheets.

Ferguson-designed School Building (Block D)

This building from 1887 is tall and runs north-south. It has a verandah on its west side. The east verandah has been enclosed. The outside is covered in timber boards. The roof has a special shape with vents at the ends and windows that stick out.

The north and south walls have many windows. The west verandah has double-hung windows and double doors.

The building has two classrooms, separated by a wall. Large openings connect the classrooms to small kitchen areas along the enclosed east verandah. The classroom walls are lined with wooden boards. The ceilings are sloped and lined with boards.

An Honour Board from 1919 is on the west wall. It lists the names of students who served in World War I. A metal plaque below it celebrates the school's 125th anniversary in 1992.

The 1953 Boulton & Paul extension to the east of this building has classrooms and an office. It has many windows on the south side. The area under it is enclosed.

Timber Vocational Building (Block G – 1952)

This timber building from 1952 runs east-west. It's lower at the western end and taller at the eastern end because of the sloping ground. It has a north-facing verandah, with the eastern half enclosed with windows. The south wall has four large sets of windows.

The building now has many administration rooms in the west and offices and teaching areas in the east. The northwest corner of the verandah is now toilets. The verandah walls in the enclosed eastern half have been removed to create open-plan classrooms. The inside walls and ceilings are covered with flat sheets.

Old timber stairs are at the eastern end. The metal stairs on the north and south sides are newer.

School Grounds and Trees

The school grounds are well-designed. There's a big playing field on the eastern side. The school buildings are around a main assembly area on the higher western side.

Between the playing fields and the buildings are stone walls and stairs that form terraced areas. These walls show different times they were built. A new Multi-purpose Hall was built over some of these terraces in 2010.

Many old trees grow on the school grounds. These include hoop pines, gum trees, and leopard trees at the corner of Sherwood Road and Oxley Road. There's also a leopard tree in the assembly area and a group of gum trees north of the buildings. These old trees, along with jacarandas and poincianas along Sherwood Road, make the school look beautiful and stand out.

Why Sherwood State School is Special

Sherwood State School was added to the Queensland Heritage Register because it's important for several reasons:

• Shows how education changed: The school shows how state education and school buildings developed in Queensland. It has examples of different building designs from different times, set in grounds with play areas, stone terraces, sports fields, and old shade trees.

* The Ferguson-designed building (1887) shows early ideas for making schools more practical and comfortable. * The suburban timber school building (1917) shows how timber school designs improved, especially with light and classroom size. * The two sectional school buildings (1923 and 1937) show the best designs for timber schools, good for both learning and the climate. * The Boulton & Paul Building (1952) shows how pre-made buildings were used after World War II because of a lack of materials and a growing population. * The timber vocational building (1952) shows how practical subjects became part of school lessons. * The World War I memorial tablet (1919) shows how the school community was involved in a major world event. * The large school site with old trees and landscaping shows how important play and beauty were in educating children.

• Shows what a Queensland state school is like: Sherwood State School is a great example of a Queensland state school. It has buildings built to standard designs, and large, landscaped grounds with old trees, play areas, and sports fields. The school is a good, complete example of a suburban school.

• Looks beautiful: The timber school buildings, with their special roofs, open verandahs, and teacher's rooms, look very nice along Sherwood Road. They are a landmark in the area, surrounded by old trees and gardens.

• Strong connection to the community: Schools are always important to their communities. They connect former students, parents, and teachers. They are places for social events and volunteer work, and they make the community proud.

* Sherwood State School has a strong and lasting connection with the local community. It started in 1867 with money raised by local people, and many generations of children have learned there. It's a key meeting place for social and memorial events.

Famous Former Students

• Brigadier General Cecil Foott: A high-ranking officer in Australia's defense department.
• Richard Powell Francis: The first Australian to graduate from Balliol College at Oxford University. He died trying to rescue people during the 1893 Brisbane flood.
• Wilfred Hall: Gained a scholarship in 1900 and became a director of a large company.
• Tom Kerr: A member of the Queensland Parliament.
• Robert John Nosworthy: A director of a major company called Burns, Philp, and Co.
• Oliver Radcliffe: Sherwood's first student teacher, who later became a District Inspector for the Queensland Education Department.

See also

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