Cyril Jackson Senior High School

Statement of Significance

• The place has historic value for its association with the development of Ashfield in the post war period.
• The school has historic value for its association with the government policy of providing public housing in estate developments particularly for migrants.
• The school has social value for the many students, teachers and community members who have attended the school for a variety of reasons since 1964.
• The place has aesthetic value as a representation of post war international style.

Physical Description

A single storey complex that has expanded over time. The main buildings are constructed from a darker brown brick with aluminium framed windows of carrying dimensions and a corrugated metal roof. The shade structures appear to be the continuation of the main roof, supported on metal posts. A prominent entry feature consisting of a projecting portico with dark brown brick columns supporting a gently domes roof which is clad with colorbond and lined with plaster sheeting to the underside. Double aluminium framed glazed doors provide the main entry into the school. The school is typically surrounded by a combination of open green areas, mature planting and parking areas all enclosed by a high metal fence

History

In the period following World War Two, Bassendean underwent a period of rapid growth and expansion like much of Western Australia. However, it was the decision by the State government to establish a public housing estate in Ashfield in the early 1950s that saw a tremendous increase in population. An initial plan for 230 houses was initially resisted by the Shire of Bassendean however the state government progressed with its plan and migrants from many countries settled there. In 1955, the Ashfield Primary School was built followed in 1964 by the opening of the Cyril Jackson High School named after the former Director General of Education, Bassendean resident and founding Chairman of the West Guildford Road Board. The school was designed by architects Silver Fairbrother and Associates under
the management of the Public Works Department. The first intake of students occurred in 1961 although the official opening did not occur until 1964. The school has been extended and adapted as needs and teaching methods have changed. It is currently [2017] a school that provides a range of programs for school age and adult students and a high proportion
of migrants.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.