Toowong State School facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Toowong State School
Northern elevation of 1880 Ferguson Building, 2014
Location	50 Quinn Street (37 St Osyth Street), Toowong, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Built	1880, 1887, 1910, 1917–1924, Open–air Annexe (1917, 1924, 1927, 1930)
Architect	Robert and John Ferguson; Queensland Department of Public Works

Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: Toowong State School
Type	state heritage
Designated	28 November 2014
Reference no.	602845
Type	Education, research, scientific facility: School-state
Theme	Educating Queenslanders: Providing primary schooling
Builders	NB Headland, J Macarthur, Relief work

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Toowong State School is an old school in Toowong, Queensland, Australia. It is special because it is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is an important historical place. The first part of the school was built in 1880. It was designed by architects Robert and John Ferguson and the Queensland Department of Public Works.

History of Toowong State School

The school buildings from the north in 2014.

Toowong State School first opened on 22 January 1880. It moved to its current location between Quinn and St Osyth Streets in 1910. The first building was designed by the Ferguson brothers in 1880. Another part was added in 1887.

At the new site, more buildings were added. These included a classroom designed by the Department of Public Works in 1910. An open-air annexe was built in 1917. Two more Sectional School buildings were added in 1924 and 1927.

In the 1930s, retaining walls were built around the school. This was part of a program to help people find work during the Great Depression. The school has been open continuously since it started. It has always been a key place for the local community.

Early Toowong and Education

The land where Toowong is now was traditionally home to the Turrbal people. European settlers started buying land in the 1850s. By the 1860s, Toowong was a popular area for large homes. It was close to Brisbane city.

In 1875, a railway line reached Toowong. This made the area grow very quickly. More people moved in, and Toowong became its own Shire in 1880. With more families, there was a big need for a school.

The local community helped raise money for the school. Architect Richard Gailey sold land for the school at a reduced price. The first school building and a teacher's house cost about £1162. NB Headland was the builder. The school opened on 22 January 1880. Students came from far away, including Indooroopilly and Milton.

Providing education was very important to the government in Queensland. Public schools grew a lot after 1860. The State Education Act of 1875 made primary education free and compulsory. This helped most Queensland children learn to read and write by 1900. Schools were seen as a vital part of new communities. Local people often helped build them. Schools became a symbol of progress and a source of pride.

Ferguson School Designs (1879-1893)

The first building at Toowong State School followed a standard plan. From the 1860s to the 1960s, most Queensland schools were made of timber. This was cheap and easy. Standard designs were always being improved. Queensland schools were good at controlling climate, light, and air.

In 1879, Robert Ferguson became the Superintendent of Buildings for schools. He changed school designs to improve air flow and light. He added tall, fancy vents on roofs. He also put in bigger windows. These windows were high enough to stop drafts and too much sun. His buildings were low to the ground on brick supports. Larger schools had many classrooms around a central area.

Ferguson's buildings were also decorated with detailed timber work. People thought they were much better than earlier schools. In 1885, Robert's brother, John Ferguson, took over. He continued to use his brother's designs. The Ferguson period (1879-1893) was a time of big changes in school design. Their designs were good for learning and for the climate.

The first Toowong school building was a standard Ferguson design. It was built for 154 children but could fit 200. A newspaper at the time called it a model for future schools. The main teaching building was about 15.2 meters (50 feet) long and 5.5 meters (18 feet) wide. It had a cross-wing and wide verandas. Windows and roof vents helped with air and light. The inside had exposed timber, which looked neat. The roof was made of ironbark shingles.

In 1887, another large classroom was added. It was also a Ferguson design. This new room had a washroom on the veranda. This washroom later became the Principal's office. The new classroom made the older rooms darker. So, in 1907, dormer windows were added to let in more light.

Moving to a New Site (1910)

Toowong continued to grow in the early 1900s. In 1903, Toowong became a town. The tram service also expanded. By 1911, Toowong's population was over 6,000 people.

The school also grew, and a more central location was needed. In 1909, a higher, 0.81-hectare (2-acre) site was suggested. This new site was between Quinn and St Osyth streets. It could hold 450 students. In 1910, the government approved moving the school. A new teaching building was also planned.

The 1910 Department of Public Works building (left) and 1917 Open-air Annexe (right) in 2014.

The new building built in 1910 was a standard design from the Department of Public Works. This department was in charge of school designs until 2013. Between 1893 and 1914, school designs improved a lot. They focused on better natural light and air flow. Buildings were often high off the ground. This gave more air flow and covered play space underneath. This became a common feature of Queensland schools.

The 1910 building at Toowong had these new features. It was highset with space underneath for toilets and play. It had a roof vent and wider windows for better light and air. The building was about 7.6 meters (25 feet) wide.

The school started at its new site in September 1910. All the work was finished the next year. The school was officially opened in May 1911. More land was bought in 1912 for playing fields. Tennis courts were built there in the early 1950s.

World War I and Open-Air Annexes

During World War I, two important things were added to the school. First, a special wooden board was put up in 1917. It listed 115 former students and teachers who served in the war. This "honour board" is now in the library. It is used for Anzac Day ceremonies.

The Honour Board in 2014, listing former students and teachers who served in World War I.

Second, the number of students grew to over 500. So, an open-air annexe was built in 1917. These annexes were a new standard design from 1913. Doctors believed that lots of fresh air and light were good for children's health. These annexes were also cheap and easy to move.

An open-air annexe had only one large room. It had only one solid wall. The other sides were open with canvas blinds for privacy. They were usually high off the ground for more air flow. This design was thought to be very healthy for students.

The Toowong open-air annexe was officially opened in September 1917. It was connected to the 1910 building. It had a single 7.6-meter (25-foot) wide classroom. The ceiling was made of decorative pressed metal.

However, open-air annexes had problems. They did not protect well from bad weather. The canvas blinds wore out quickly. So, in 1924, the Toowong open-air annexe was enclosed. Casement windows were put in the outer walls.

Sectional School Buildings (1920s)

In the 1920s, the school population kept growing. It reached a peak of 895 students in 1927. More classrooms were needed.

The 1924 Sectional School building from the north in 2014.

In 1924 and 1927, new teaching buildings were added. These were called Sectional Schools. This design was created in 1920. It combined the best features of earlier school types. It was practical, cheap, and met both teaching and climate needs. Most importantly, these buildings could be easily extended as the school grew. This is why they were called "Sectional."

Sectional Schools usually had one veranda, often on the north side. The south wall had many windows to let in light. The blank end walls could be removed to add more sections. This led to long, narrow buildings with many classrooms. This became a unique feature of Queensland schools.

The two Sectional School buildings at Toowong were built at the western end. They connected to the 1880 Ferguson building by verandas. They formed a U-shaped courtyard. Each building had three classrooms and a veranda. The 1927 building was longer and narrower than the 1924 one. The 1924 building also had a teachers' room. Both had hat rooms on their verandas.

Great Depression and School Improvements

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, a lot of work was done at the school. This was part of a government program to create jobs. The program focused on building new infrastructure. Improving schools was a big part of this plan.

Lots of money was given for school grounds. This included fencing, leveling play areas, and building retaining walls. Many large, flat school ovals were created. These became a standard part of Queensland state schools.

At Toowong State School, the work included leveling the grounds. School buildings were raised higher. All wooden stumps were replaced with concrete. Sewerage was also installed. Concrete retaining walls were built around the school from 1932 to 1935. Old trees were removed and new shade trees were planted. This work gave students more play areas. It also solved problems with water running onto nearby properties.

During World War II, electricity and telephones were connected to the school. The Air Training Corps used some school rooms twice a week.

Post-War Changes and Growth

Around 1945, the school buildings were changed to improve light and air. Windows were made larger and lower. Sun hoods were added or changed. Old seating areas were removed. Some doors were changed, and folding walls were put in some classrooms.

After World War II, Toowong's population grew a lot. The school also changed to match this growth. Two new classrooms, a health room, and a tuckshop were added. The office and some classrooms were updated. More land was bought for the school in 1946. Two tennis courts were built in 1951.

In the 1950s and 1960s, more classrooms were added. The 1924 Sectional School building was extended. Verandas were enclosed to make more classroom space. Other changes included adding an office and moving some stairs.

The 1970s brought more upgrades. The main oval was rebuilt and grassed. The infants' play area was leveled. Gym equipment was built. More trees were planted and gardens created. Electricity was put in every classroom. The library was also improved.

Centenary and Beyond

In 1980, the school celebrated its 100th birthday. There was a ball, a walkathon, a fete, and a reunion day. A new school gate was built on St Osyth Street. A time capsule was buried near the 1880 Ferguson building. It is planned to be opened in 2030.

Over time, other changes have been made. Doors and internal walls have been moved. Old windows have been replaced. Some verandas have been enclosed for more classroom space. Parts of the under-building area have been made into toilets or storage. Recently, a basketball court was replaced by a sports hall.

As of 2017, Toowong State School is still open at the same site. It is the only state primary school in Toowong. The school still has its early buildings from 1880 to 1927. It also has landscaping from the Depression era and old trees. The school has served the community since 1880. It has taught many generations of Toowong students. It has also been a key place for community events.

School Buildings and Features

Map showing the layout of the school buildings in 2014.

Toowong State School is on a hilltop in Toowong. It covers about 0.86 hectares (2.1 acres). It is surrounded by streets and homes. The school buildings are at the eastern end of the property. There is a playing field, a new sports hall, and a garden area at the western end. Concrete walls hold up the leveled school grounds. The main entrance is from St Osyth Street.

The school has six long, narrow buildings. They are connected by verandas. All are made of timber and are high off the ground on concrete stumps. They have different roof shapes, all covered in corrugated metal. From east to west, the buildings are:

the 1917 open-air annexe
the 1910 Department of Public Works building
the 1887 Ferguson building
the 1880 Ferguson building
the 1924 (south) and 1927 (north) Sectional School buildings

The space under the buildings is partly enclosed. These areas are used for toilets, storage, and extra classrooms. These newer enclosed areas are not considered historically important.

1917 Open-Air Annexe (Enclosed 1924)

The west veranda of the open-air annexe (now enclosed) in 2014.

The open-air annexe runs north–south. It has a west veranda. A newer part was added to the north around 1956. This newer part is not historically important. The building is covered in chamferboards. It has many timber-framed awning windows on its eastern wall.

The veranda wall is single-skin, meaning you can see the timber frame. The veranda ceiling is made of timber boards. A timber flap near the floor helps with air flow. Part of the timber fence on the veranda has been replaced. The veranda doors are double doors with small windows above. The windows are double-hung timber sashes.

The original large classroom is now split into two by a newer wall. The walls are lined with vertical timber boards. A high timber rail shows where old openings used to be. The curved ceiling is made of decorative pressed metal. Metal rods are visible in the room.

1910 Department of Public Works Building

The north veranda of the 1910 Department of Public Works building in 2014.

The 1910 building runs east–west. It has a north veranda and an enclosed south veranda. The south veranda has a teachers' room sticking out. The building is covered in weatherboards. It has a gable roof. The end walls have triangular vents at the top. Windows are covered by a small roof with decorative brackets. These windows are newer glass louvres. The south veranda is now enclosed with weatherboards and awning windows. The old teachers' room has original windows that pivot in the middle.

The north veranda has a sloping ceiling made of timber boards. The veranda wall is single-skin with exposed timber. Some parts of the timber fence on the veranda have been replaced. All windows and doors on this veranda are newer. Part of the building's corner was removed to connect to a walkway.

The large original classroom inside is now divided into two. The walls and curved ceiling are lined with timber boards. The ceiling has square lattice vents and metal rods. Windows and doors have been removed from the south veranda wall. However, the original window frames are still there.

The enclosed south veranda has a single-skin wall. Metal hat hooks are on this wall. The sloping veranda ceiling is lined with timber boards. Old hat rooms are still visible at the ends of the veranda. The teachers' room has timber-lined walls and a curved ceiling with a lattice vent.

1887 Ferguson Building

The 1887 Ferguson building runs north–south. It has verandas on its long sides. It has a gable roof and is covered in chamferboards. Newer parts added to the north end (around 1960) and to the eastern veranda (around 1960) are not historically important. A walkway from the 1950s is also not important.

The south end wall has a triangular vent at the top (now covered). It has decorative brackets under the roof. The western veranda has a sloping ceiling with exposed rafters. Some veranda posts have special cut edges. The veranda fence is made of bagracks. It connects to the 1880 Ferguson building at the south end. The eastern veranda is mostly covered by a newer extension. The old teachers' room has a curved ceiling.

The building still has three sets of original tall windows that pivot in the middle. Windows on the south wall have been replaced. One original double door with glass panels and a tall window above is still on the west wall.

The inside walls are lined with vertical timber boards. The end walls are only lined partway up, showing the original single-skin construction above. The north end wall still has a vent and some windows, even though it is no longer an outside wall. The sloping ceilings are lined with diagonal timber boards. The exposed Queen post roof trusses have decorative features.

1880 Ferguson Building

The northern veranda of the 1880 Ferguson Building in 2014.

The 1880 Ferguson building is shaped like a 'T'. It has two large classrooms. The eastern classroom runs east–west with a north veranda and an enclosed south veranda. The western classroom runs north–south with an enclosed west veranda. The building is covered in chamferboards. The gable roof has four long dormer windows over the eastern classroom. The end walls of the western classroom have many early awning windows. They also have decorative timberwork and small vents at the top.

The north veranda has a timber fence. The veranda posts and beams have special cut edges. The sloping veranda ceiling is lined with diagonal timber boards. Original tall, pivoting windows are still on the west end of the veranda wall. There is also an old hat room with metal hooks. The enclosed south veranda also has special cut posts and beams. Its sloping ceiling is lined with diagonal timber boards. The enclosed western veranda also has a sloping ceiling and metal hooks on the wall.

The inside of both classrooms has vertical timber-lined walls. They have sloping ceilings with diagonal boards and exposed Queen post trusses. The eastern classroom ceiling also has dormer windows. The end walls of the western classroom are only partly lined, showing the original construction. An old glass partition and door separate the two classrooms. On the wall near this partition is a large wooden Honour Board. It lists students and teachers who served in World War I. A newer timber wall has been added in the western classroom. This creates a walkway between the north and west verandas.

1924 and 1927 Sectional School Buildings

The 1927 Sectional School building from the north in 2014.

Both Sectional School buildings run east–west. They have enclosed verandas on one side. They have casement windows on the other side. Their end walls are blank. They have gable roofs and are covered in weatherboards. The attached teachers' room on the 1924 building has a hipped roof and early casement windows. A single casement window is also on the south wall of the 1927 building. An old hat room is still there.

The 1924 building was extended around 1960. It has three classrooms. The walls are lined with timber boards. One original timber partition wall remains. The central and western classrooms have curved ceilings with exposed metal rods and square lattice vents. The eastern classroom has a flat ceiling. The old veranda wall has large openings cut into it. The veranda ceiling and the walls and ceiling of the teachers' room are all lined with timber boards.

The 1927 building also has three classrooms. The walls and curved ceiling are lined with timber boards. The ceiling has exposed metal rods and square lattice vents. Large openings have been made in the dividing walls. New walls create a smaller room in the middle and larger rooms at the ends. The enclosed veranda still has its timber ceiling. Original double-hung sash windows are still on the veranda wall.

Other Features

The school has some old school furniture and brass bells. A plaque marks the spot where a time capsule is buried. It is on the north side of the 1880 Ferguson building.

Because the land slopes, there are high concrete retaining walls around the school. Many old trees grow around the school grounds. These include a sausage tree, Frangipani, Poinciana, and Paperbark. From the school buildings, you can see the surrounding area and even the Brisbane CBD.

Why Toowong State School is Important

Toowong State School was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 28 November 2014. It is important for several reasons:

Showing How Education Changed

Toowong State School shows how state education and school buildings changed in Queensland. It has many teaching buildings from the 1880s to the 1920s. These buildings are great examples of standard government designs. They show how school architecture responded to new ideas about education.

The Ferguson buildings (1880, 1887) were important. They were early standard designs that improved how practical and comfortable schools were. The Department of Public Works building (1910) shows how the Ferguson design was improved. The old open-air annexe (1917) shows how doctors' ideas about fresh air and light influenced school design. The two Sectional School buildings (1924, 1927) show the best of timber school design. They met both educational and climate needs.

Showing Key Features of Old Schools

Toowong State School shows the main features of an early Queensland state school. It has different types of buildings from 1880 to 1927. It also shows later changes made to improve light and air.

The school has good examples of standard government designs:

Two Ferguson buildings (1880 and 1887): They have large classrooms with wide verandas. They have decorative timberwork and vents. Inside, they have sloping ceilings with exposed roof trusses. They also have original doors and windows.
A Department of Public Works building (1910): This building is high off the ground. It has a wider design and big verandas. It has vents, a curved ceiling, and early windows.
An open-air annexe (1917, enclosed 1924): This building is highset and made of timber. It has a west-facing veranda and a single-skin veranda wall with a vent. It has timber internal walls and a curved, pressed metal ceiling.
Two Sectional School buildings (1924 and 1927): They have gable roofs and a veranda on one side. They have many windows on the other side. Inside, they have curved ceilings with metal beams and vents. They also show how classrooms were expanded later.

Strong Community Connection

Queensland schools have always been important to their communities. They often have strong links with former students, parents, and teachers. They are places for social events and volunteer work. They are a source of pride and show local progress.

Toowong State School has a strong and ongoing connection with the Toowong community. The local people helped start the school. It has educated generations of Toowong children. The school is important for helping Toowong grow. It is a main gathering place for social events. It has wide support from the community.