Greenbushes Primary School Manual Training Shed

Statement of Significance

The Manual Training Shed is significant as a representative example of an early twentieth century manual training classroom built to a standard Public Works Department design (a type which was once common but may now be relatively rare). It is also of local significance for its authenticity and integrity as a classroom surviving from the early development of the school (which was otherwise destroyed by fire in 1965). Aesthetic Value NA Historic Value The Manual Training Shed is of some Historic Value as an example of an early twentieth century manual training classroom built to a standard Public Works Department design. Research Value NA Social Value This building is of Social Value as a school classroom.

Physical Description

The former Manual Training Room is typical of an early 20th century weatherboard classroom and retains most original features including sash windows and air vents. A small porch and entrance ramp was added to the eastern side in more recent years.

History

In December 1909 tenders were called for the construction of manual training rooms at Albany; Collie; Greenbushes; Midland Junction and Narrogin – all of which were expected to cost in the order of £150-£190. A tender of £181 14s, submitted by J L Tostevin for the Greenbushes manual training room, was accepted in April 1910. This physical evidence confirms that this was constructed to a standard plan prepared by the Public Works Department for manual training classrooms, which provided a single roomed teaching space with a rectangular plan that varied in length depending on the size of the school. The standard design included a double-door entrance at one end of the main façade and a skillion store and washroom on the other side of the building (immediately opposite the entrance). Windows were typically located on both of the long sides of the building, with blackboards mounted internally on at least one of the short sides. As part of a survey undertaken in 2001, surviving examples of early twentieth century manual training rooms were identified at Claremont, Greenbushes, Highgate and Quairadring Primary Schools. The Greenbushes Manual Training Room was originally used as a boys classroom for learning practical skills such as construction, mechanics and maintenance. This was the only classroom to survive the Primary School fire in 1965, following which it was immediately cleaned out for use as a classroom. It is now used as the Kindergarten and Pre-Primary classroom of the Greenbushes Primary School.

Integrity/Authenticity

High The building continues to be a classroom on the same site. High Despite the minor additions and alterations, the building appears to have retained clear evidence of its original design.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update