WANDO VALE SCHOOL (FORMER)
628 CASTERTON-EDENHOPE ROAD, WANDO VALE, GLENELG SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
The former Wando Vale State School located on the Casterton-Edenhope Road in the centre of the township of Wando Vale consists of the remains of the Wando Vale School. The surviving fabric includes the original 1906 timber school building and a perimeter planting of Eucalyptus cladocalyx (sugar gums). The construction of the school was triggered by the surge in population in the district following the subdivision for Closer Settlement in 1900 of one of the area's great pastoral estates, Wando Vale. The Wando Vale Estate was Victoria's first, and perhaps most successful Closer Settlement scheme. The school house is a one roomed timber school building, with large 15 pane windows typical of its era in form and style. The school is in very good condition and retains an excellent degree of integrity. The perimeter planting is typical of the period and although it has been coppiced numerous times, remains in good condition.
How is it significant?
The former Wando Vale School is of historical, social and architectural significance to the Glenelg Shire.
Why is it significant?
The former Wando Vale School is historically significant as a surviving example of a rural school and its original perimeter planting, both dating from the turn of the century, and substantially intact. The school complex provides a tangible link to the Closer Settlement era, a particular phase in the long history of the pastoral industry in the area. The land on which the school sits has its origin in one of the earliest squatting runs, with the arrival of William Robertson, pioneer and botanist of the Casterton district. The subsequent subdivision of the land at various times culminated in the creation of small landholdings and a formally laid out township with a Hall and School reserve. The land was acquired by successful applicants from across Victoria. The school is a physical expression of the population boom which resulted from Closer Settlement, and which created social and economic prosperity hitherto and subsequently unknown in the area.
The school has social significance as an expression of the collective aspirations and dedication of the closer settler families, typified by the work of the voluntary committee and their pressure on local politicians.
The school complex has architectural significance as a surviving example of a typical rural school facility dating from the turn of the century. The complex retains a high degree of integrity in its exterior fabric, style and materials.
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WANDO VALE SCHOOL (FORMER) - Usage/Former Usage
Private ownership
WANDO VALE SCHOOL (FORMER) - Physical Description 1
The former Wando Vale State School, constructed in 1906, is a single roomed timber building, with weatherboard walls and a corrugated iron gabled roof. Its form and style are typical of the period, including the facade and the somewhat Gothic detailing. The schoolroom is amply lit by three tall, 15 pane, double hung sash windows. The north side of the building has four six pane fixed windows to allow light in.
The interior of the schoolhouse is plain and appears little changed since its construction, with plaster walls and a timber paneled dado. The blackboard is along the south wall. There is a fireplace with an original simple timber mantle set between the two blackboards on the south wall. Originally, the floor was tiered from north to south.
The adjacent teacher's residence has been re-located to a private residence.
The original school perimeter planting of Eucalyptus cladocalyx (sugar gums) remain to the south and east of the reserve. These trees are located some distance from the school building. Arbour day plantings are also included within the reserve.WANDO VALE SCHOOL (FORMER) - Physical Conditions
Very Good
WANDO VALE SCHOOL (FORMER) - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 6 Educating
6.1 Forming associations, libraries, and institutes for self-education
6.2 Establishing schools
6.5 Educating people in remote placesHeritage Study and Grading
Glenelg - Glenelg Shire Heritage Study Part One
Author: Carlotta Kellaway, David Rhodes Mandy Jean
Year: 2002
Grading:Glenelg - Glenelg Heritage Study Stage Two (a)
Author: Heritage Matters
Year: 2006
Grading:
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WANDO VALE MEMORIAL HALL & DAVIDSON PARKGlenelg Shire
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WANDO VALE VILLAGE PRECINCTGlenelg Shire
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