Busselton High School

Statement of Significance

- The buildings from the first program of works are good intact examples of the Post War
International style executed in brick and tile that are typical of the state government
schools built in this period.
- The place was the first high school established in the Vasse Region and indicates how
the region was expanding and developing in the post war period.
- The site of the school has historic value for its association with the Sayer family who
donated the land for the school and were committed to supporting a school for the
children of the region.
- The school has social value for a wide section of the community as many individuals
have an association with the school as students or teachers and their families, or
attended the school for sporting or social events.

Physical Description

The buildings constructed in the intial phase of works in 1958 and 1962 are single storey brick structures with terracotta tile roofs that conform to a typical Post War International style applied by the Public Works Department in this period. The plan form includes classroom blocks with verandahs arranged at right angles from an administrative wing forming internal courtyards. Long verandahs provide access to the original rooms. The layout was typical of the state government high schools of this period. The basic architectural form was load bearing brick walls with some relief being provided by render, and large expanses of glass to outside walls and limited high level glazing alongside verandahs. The site is largely grassed with some mature trees on the perimeter and within the courtyard spaces.

History

The land on which Busselton Senior High School now stands was provided by the Sayers family. Carinia Sayers, a Wardandi Noongar man from the Vasse region, lived at Cattle Chosen with the Bussell Family. Carinia was considered an expert with farm stock. When he took up the land where the school now stands, a small cottage was the only building on the site however a larger house was moved from land near West Busselton Primary School to where the present caretaker’s house is located on the grounds. Carinia Sayers married Flora in 1891 with Flora being recognised as one of the pioneer women of the district. Carinia and Flora lived with their seven children in Busselton. Two of the Sayers siblings recognised as Aboriginal Servicemen fought in World War One. Both Carinia and Flora expressed a wish to leave their land for the purpose of providing a site for an educational institution. Although nothing was placed in writing, on the death of Flora in 1955, their children agreed for the wishes of their parents to be followed and so the land was transferred to the Education Department. The Public Works Department designed the school buildings and construction began in 1957 for opening of the school in 1958. Almost immediately the school underwent additions to accommodate the growing population of students. Since that time the population of the region has fluctuated as a result of many factors. In recent decades the school has grown and new buildings and facilities have been added to the site.

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.