Yanco Agricultural High School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yanco Agricultural High School |
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Australia
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| Coordinates | 34°38′07″S 146°23′00″E / 34.6354°S 146.3834°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Government-funded co-educational academically selective and specialist secondary day school |
| Motto | Latin: Ut Sementem Feceris Ita Metes (As you sow, so shall you reap) |
| Established | March 1922 |
| School district | Narrandera; Rural South and West |
| Educational authority | NSW Department of Education |
| Specialist | Agricultural school |
| Principal | Gary Hunt |
| Teaching staff | 34.2 FTE (2018) |
| Years | 7-12 |
| Enrolment | 287 (2018) |
| Campus size | 280 hectares (692 acres) |
| Campus type | Rural and regional |
| Colour(s) | Royal blue, grey, white, khaki |
| Alumni | Old Yanconians |
| Official name | Yanco Agricultural High School; North Yanco Station; Samuel McCaughey's Homestead |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 7 June 2019 |
| Reference no. | 2021 |
| Type | School - Agricultural |
| Category | Education |
The Yanco Agricultural High School, often called YAHS, is a special government-funded school. It's a co-educational (for both boys and girls) selective and secondary boarding school. This means students live at the school. It's located in Yanco in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia.
YAHS is one of only four government agricultural high schools in NSW. What makes it extra special is that it's the only boarding school in NSW that has no day students. All students live on campus! The school mainly serves students from southern New South Wales and Victoria.
The school started in March 1922. In 2018, about 300 students from Year 7 to Year 12 attended. This included students from Indigenous backgrounds and those with other language backgrounds. The NSW Department of Education runs the school. The principal is Greg Hunt.
Yanco Agricultural High School is about 10 miles (10 km) from Leeton town centre. It sits on a huge 280-hectare (690-acre) property. This includes 60 hectares (150 acres) of natural bushland next to the Murrumbidgee River. Students at YAHS enjoy sports and play in school and inter-town competitions.
The school site is very old and important. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 7 June 2019.
School History
First People of the Land
The land where YAHS stands belongs to the Wiradjuri people. They are the traditional owners of this area. We don't know if this specific spot had special meaning for them.
Early European Settlement
European settlers, mostly from Ireland, first arrived in the Narrandera area around 1832-1833. The Wiradjuri people living here were sometimes called the Narrungdera. Sadly, diseases greatly reduced their population in the 1830s and 1840s.
The "Yonco" land was settled by Thomas Small. He sold it to James Thorn, who moved the main station to the North Yanco area. Later, John Peter bought North Yanco in 1849. He worked well with the Wiradjuri people, employing about 50 of them to train horses in the 1850s.
In 1858, Alexander McNeil bought the property. Both Peter and McNeil focused on improving their sheep's wool quality. The North Yanco main station likely moved to its current spot in 1870 after big floods. This new location was a good choice, as the school has avoided floods even recently.
By 1881, J. H. Douglas owned North Yanco Station. It was a huge property, known for its high-quality wool. The main house was a beautiful gothic style building with a large garden. It was like a small village with many buildings and gardens.
Sir Samuel McCaughey's Time (1899-1919)
Sir Samuel McCaughey was born in Ireland in 1835. He came to Australia in 1856 to work on his uncles' farm. He was very hardworking and kind.
By 1860, he bought a share of Coonong, a large property. He faced water problems there, which sparked his interest in irrigation. He solved his water issues by digging channels and building dams. He also improved his sheep by buying high-quality animals and fencing his paddocks.
His water and sheep plans were very successful. He bought more properties and became a very wealthy landowner.
In the 1890s, McCaughey became very interested in saving water. He tried to build more dams at Coonong, but other farmers sued him and he lost the case. This made him buy the North Yanco property in 1899. He paid a huge amount for it: 220,000 pounds!
At North Yanco, he could experiment with irrigation without problems from neighbours. He wanted to show that large-scale irrigation could help farming in dry areas of NSW. He even moved to North Yanco to oversee the project himself.
McCaughey also became a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1899. This allowed him to promote his ideas, like large-scale immigration and irrigation.
He first built an irrigation system for his new mansion's gardens. He created channels and a pumping plant from the Murrumbidgee River. He even built an underground watering system for beautiful gardens and an artificial lake.
His new mansion was built between 1899 and 1902. It was very grand, with billiard rooms and stained glass windows. He often hosted important people there to show off his irrigation work.
After the mansion's irrigation, Sir McCaughey started his main irrigation plan for North Yanco. During a terrible drought in 1902, he already had 60 miles of channels. By 1903, his system had 200 miles (320 km) of channels, weirs, and pumps. This allowed him to water 40,000 acres (16,200 hectares) of land. He mainly grew lucerne for sheep, but also wheat and potatoes.
His system was very successful. During the 1902 drought, he even offered work building channels to anyone who needed it. This helped the local economy.
Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA)
Sir McCaughey strongly believed in irrigation. In 1903, he showed how his system allowed him to grow tall sorghum and feed many sheep per hectare. He argued this proved the Murrumbidgee River should be used for irrigation.
The NSW government agreed. In 1905, they approved a larger version of McCaughey's plan. It involved building a dam at Burrinjuck, a weir, and a system of canals. Work on this scheme, called the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, began in 1905.
In 1910, the NSW Government officially created the MIA. It would have many new farms and two new towns: Griffith and Leeton. These towns were designed by Walter Burley Griffin, who also designed Canberra. Leeton began in 1911, and water reached Yanco farms by July 1912.
Sir McCaughey's workshops at North Yanco were amazing. They produced farm machinery and even generated electricity for his house. He was a great inventor and improved many farm tools. In 1888, he pioneered mechanical sheep shearing in Australia.
In 1911, he sold most of North Yanco to the government for the MIA. He kept some land to live on. Sir McCaughey passed away on 25 July 1919. He was a giant in Australian farming and known for his generosity. He was knighted in 1905 for his contributions. When he died, he owned vast lands and left most of his wealth to charities and schools.
After his death, the rest of North Yanco went to the Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission.
Yanco Agricultural High School Begins (1922)
In the late 1800s, people became more interested in scientific farming. Agricultural colleges started appearing in Australia. The first was Roseworthy in South Australia in 1883. NSW followed with Hawksbury Agricultural College in 1891. These schools taught farming theory and practical skills.
Agricultural high schools in NSW started in the early 1900s. They combined regular school subjects with farming theory and practice. The first was Hurlstone in 1907.
In 1920, the NSW Minister for Education, Tom D. Mutch, visited Leeton. Local residents asked him to create a new agricultural high school in the MIA. They suggested using the empty McCaughey Mansion. Minister Mutch liked the idea. The mansion and 636 acres of land were given to the Department of Education for free in March 1921.
YAHS opened on 20 February 1922 with 60 boarding students. Mr. Ernest Breakwell was the first headmaster. The school aimed to teach agriculture for three years, leading to a certificate. Students could then go to Hawksbury Agricultural College or start farming. The school also wanted to encourage young people to stay in country areas.
When it opened, the main mansion was used for dormitories and dining rooms. Another building was used for staff and more dorms. A brick building, once men's quarters, became classrooms and science rooms. Another outbuilding had showers and lockers. Electricity was planned for the main buildings.
However, some original students remember a different start. They arrived to find the buildings empty and uncared for since 1919. There were no beds, classrooms, or proper cooking facilities. They used hurricane lamps and cooked over an open fire for months! The nearest neighbour was three miles away.
Interestingly, Phillis Breakwell, the principal's daughter, was the first female student. She completed the three-year course in 1924. In 1923, a life-sized portrait of Sir McCaughey was given to the school.
Over the years, the school grew. By 1927, the school farm was self-sufficient in vegetables, milk, and butter. The gardens were beautiful. New buildings like the Mutch dormitory, principal's residence, and school hall were built in 1928. Sporting fields were also developed.
Oliver Gardiner became the second principal in 1928. In 1933, a School Council was formed with parents and former students. This council still helps the school today.
Percival Hindmarsh was the third principal (1934-1937). In 1934, the school started a five-year course, leading to the Leaving Certificate. This course was like a normal high school course, but agriculture replaced Latin. Students learned about farming principles, insects, plants, soil, and wool-classing.
The school had a model farm where students did about seven hours of practical work each week. The goal was to be self-sufficient in food. A sporting house system was also introduced, and an annual Beach Carnival began.
New buildings were planned, including a new classroom block. In 1935, the old blacksmith's shop was replaced with a new woodworking and metalworking building, called "The Hackey." By the 1930s, the school had 180-200 students, making it one of the largest boarding schools in NSW. It had its own water and sewerage system.
James McEwan King was the fourth principal (1938-1945). In 1939, the school's name was changed to McCaughey Memorial High School, but it was changed back to Yanco Agricultural High School in 1942. A new two-storey classroom block was built in 1939 with science labs and offices.
By the late 1930s, the school had a headmaster, agricultural science graduates, other teachers, and instructors. The school grounds were 779 acres. Most graduates (about 70%) returned to their family farms.
The success of YAHS led to another agricultural high school opening in Tamworth in 1939. During World War II, the school faced challenges as staff and students joined the armed forces.
Thomas Mason was the fifth principal (1946-1947). He started an annual gala day to raise money for a school war memorial. Richard Jane was principal for ten years (1948-1958). In the 1950s, the school planned a swimming pool and a water filtration plant. New dormitories and a sick bay were also planned. Student numbers were around 200-216 boys.
Agricultural science was still a key part of NSW education. It was believed that the state's future depended on farming.
After WWII, the school community decided to build a war memorial. A swimming pool was chosen, and construction began in 1958, finishing in 1961. Mr. Richard Giltinan was headmaster then. The school had 223 students and 15 staff. The curriculum included English, History, Maths, Science, and specialized agricultural subjects.
More buildings were added in the 1960s, including two new dormitory wings (Breakwell and Gardiner Dormitories), a hospital block, and classrooms. These eased overcrowding. By the late 1960s, there were 325 boys.
The school motto, Ut Sementem Feceris Ita Metes, means "As You Sow, So Shall You Reap." The school colours were royal blue and gold. There were four houses for sports and academic competitions, named after important people: McCaughy, Mutch, Breakwell, and Gardiner.
The Old Yanconians' Union (former students' club) was active, helping the school and funding memorials. In 1971, a library and science lab building was added. In 1976, the Hindmarsh Dormitory was built for Year 12 students to have single rooms. The school also started thinking about becoming co-educational.
In 1982, Mr. A. I. Bond was Principal. The school had problems with old buildings and rising costs. The idea of becoming co-educational was still being discussed. Unlike another school, YAHS had time to plan this change. A new dining room and kitchen were built in 1988, big enough for 400 students.
The government announced that YAHS would become co-educational in September 1991. This meant new buildings for girls. Mason dormitory, music and arts classrooms, and technology blocks were built. Mutch House was also renovated. In January 1993, the first 75 female students enrolled. The school became fully co-educational in 1996. These changes kept the school's unique rural character.
In the early 1990s, a new piggery was built. The swimming pool and school hall were also refurbished. More recently, the tennis courts were upgraded for year-round use and lighting. In 2007, a new Equine and Show Stock Centre was built.
Today, the school's show stock team is very successful, showing cattle at events. Equestrian students participate in competitions and act as a ceremonial guard. The school focuses on "Scholarship, responsible Leadership, Personal Integrity, Citizenship and competitive Sportsmanship." It continues to offer a full boarding experience in a rural setting. YAHS has a long history of academic, agricultural, and sporting success. It is highly respected by local and rural communities in NSW.
School Grounds and Buildings
What the School Looks Like
YAHS is a large property with about 50 buildings. It covers 280 hectares (690 acres) southwest of Yanco. The school is fully residential and specializes in agriculture. The land includes 180 hectares (445 acres) for farming and 60 hectares (150 acres) of natural bushland.
The school is surrounded by Euroley Road, the Murrumbidgee River, and parts of the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park. Farmlands of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area are to the north.
The school has been called "charming" and "picturesque." It's like its own small town, with places for recreation, health, education, sports, and its own utilities like electricity and water.
Layout of the School
The main school buildings are around the original North Yanco Homestead. This area has four main blocks. Dormitories and classrooms are in the eastern blocks. Specialist agricultural buildings are in the western blocks. Teacher homes are on the southeast side, and sports fields are on the northeast.
The main entrance road leads from Euroley Road to the front of the McCaughey Mansion. This road has white gates and a traffic island with old farming machinery. These gates were built by staff and students in the 1930s. The road also has mature trees.
Two creeks run near the school: Guises Creek to the west and an unnamed creek to the east. The eastern creek may have been turned into a canal long ago. The school's farm fields are between these creeks. The eastern side of the school has a forest, known as the boys' forest. The western side has a cleared area for pasture or horse riding, with a forest known as the girls' forest.
North of the school gymnasium are several sports ovals, built in the early 1960s. This area used to be an orchard.
School Buildings and What They Are Used For
The school had over 370 students in 2012 and is at full capacity.
- The Old Class Block: This building has eight classrooms, a science lab, a computer lab, and staff rooms for English and Maths teachers.
- Technical and Applied Studies (TAS) Block: This block has a TAS staff room, three classrooms, a cooking room, and a computer lab.
- The Hackey: This building houses the woodwork and metalwork rooms. It was built in 1935 and was originally nicknamed "The Morgue." It was later renamed "The Hackey" after a teacher.
- The New Class Block (Brian Roberts Classblock): This block has an Art/Music staff room, HSIE staff room, three classrooms, a music room, and art rooms.
- McCaughey House: The historic mansion now contains school offices.
There are 12 dormitory buildings where students sleep. These include Mutch, Gardiner, Breakwell, Hindmarsh, Mason, Gosper, Eadis, Hyatt, Hilton, and the pods. Boys and girls are in separate dorms.
Important Historical Features
The YAHS property has two main historical layers:
- North Yanco Irrigation Scheme (1899-1903): This was a huge irrigation system built by Sir Samuel McCaughey.
- YAHS (1922-present): The agricultural high school, which uses parts of the old irrigation system.
Buildings from the North Yanco Period
Several buildings and features from the North Yanco Holding period are still part of the school. They were adapted for school use in 1922.
- The North Yanco Mansion (1899-1902): This is the main building, built by Sir Samuel McCaughey. It's a large two-storey brick mansion with verandahs and a slate roof. It was very fancy when built.
* Today, it's used for school administration. It still has original features like pressed metal ceilings, tiled floors, marble fireplaces, and stained glass windows. * The school also keeps important items here, like a life-sized portrait of Sir Samuel McCaughey painted in 1901, his dress sword, and school memorabilia.
- Gardens and Lake: The mansion was originally surrounded by beautiful gardens and an artificial lake (1899-1902). These gardens still exist, though the specific plants may have changed. The lake still has two islands and a footbridge.
- Irrigation Canals: At least two old canals from the North Yanco Irrigation Scheme are still visible. One is still working and runs near the service road. These canals were part of Sir Samuel McCaughey's big irrigation project.
- School Laundry Building: This building might date back to the North Yanco period (1902-1917). It's an L-shaped brick building. It has been used for many things, including a shower room, boiler room, and now a large laundry facility for the school.
Buildings from the YAHS Period
The Department of Education has added many new buildings since 1922 to meet the school's needs.
- The School Hall: This brick building has a unique tiled roof. It's used for exams, assemblies, and performances. It also displays many of the school's Honour Rolls. It was refurbished in the late 1990s.
- The Principal's Residence (1927): This brick house has a tiled roof and a wide verandah. It has fine marble fireplaces.
- The Mutch Dormitory (1927): This was the first building built specifically for students. It's a two-storey L-shaped building. It used to have the school kitchen and dining room. It was renovated in the early 1990s for co-education. Today, its ground floor has teacher offices, and the first floor is a girls' dormitory.
Other important buildings include:
- The "Hackey" (1935): The Industrial Arts Block for wood and metal working.
- The Old School Block (1939): A two-storey brick building with classrooms and labs.
- Two Teacher Residences: Built in the 1930s along the Murrumbidgee River.
- War Memorial Swimming Pool (1958-1961): Built to Olympic standards. Its filtration plant has a mural of the goddess Ceres.
- Breakwell and Gardiner Dormitories (1960s): Two-storey brick buildings that expanded student accommodation.
- Dr John O'Walsh Memorial Hospital Block (1963): A brick building used as the school's medical centre.
- Library and Science Block (1971): A square brick building that serves as a library and science lab.
- Hindmarsh Dormitory (1975/76): A three-storey brick building designed for single rooms for Year 12 students.
- Music and Arts Block (1992/1993): A two-storey brick building built for co-education.
- School Gymnasium and Changerooms: Flat-roofed brick buildings.
Why YAHS is Special
Yanco Agricultural High School is very important for many reasons.
- Historical Importance: It shows how large-scale irrigation and agricultural education developed in NSW. Sir Samuel McCaughey's irrigation scheme here led to the huge Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, which is vital for Australia's food production today.
- Connection to Sir Samuel McCaughey: The school is strongly linked to Sir Samuel McCaughey, a famous farmer, inventor, and philanthropist. His home, gardens, and parts of his irrigation system are still at the school.
- Unique Architecture: The McCaughey Mansion is a rare example of a grand Federation Arts and Crafts style house built in a rural area.
- Community Connection: YAHS is highly valued by rural families in southern and western NSW. It has educated generations of children from these areas. Many families have a long history with the school. The Old Yanconians' Union (former students' club) is very active.
- Research Potential: The old canals and school buildings can teach us a lot about irrigation systems and how agricultural education has changed over time in NSW.
- Rarity: YAHS is rare because it was the starting point of the first large private irrigation scheme in NSW. It is also one of only four agricultural high schools ever established in NSW. It is the second oldest (1922) and will soon be the oldest continuously occupied agricultural high school site in NSW.
- Great Example: YAHS is a well-preserved example of a special educational school in NSW. It has many agricultural buildings from different periods, showing how farming education has grown from the 1920s until now.
