Maryborough State High School
The history of Maryborough State High school is unique, having three distinct and major periods of development, providing 137 years of continuous quality education for the youth of Maryborough. Maryborough State High School was formed in 1974 by the amalgamation of the Boys' and Girls' High Schools, that were first established as Grammar Schools in 1881 and 1883.
For 137 years we have experienced a rich tradition of quality and excellence in education.
Ethos/Philosophy
Maryborough State High School promotes the development of its students in partnership with parents and direct participation with the local community. The school has a long history of strong traditional values and a pride of innovation and student participation, focusing on student learning and academic success in a wide range of areas.
School Motto: Your future - working together, overcoming barriers to success.
A Block ANZAC Memorial
The A Block ANZAC Memorial is an ongoing tribute to former students and recognises the school's unique military history and connection to a campaign that has defined us as a nation.
Honour Board reproduction listing 172 names of students who served in the First World War is located in A Block Hall together with a Roll of Honour of former students who have lost their lives in military campaigns from the First World War to present day and a pictorial history of the school's military involvement. An electronic presentation including the photos and a brief history of the men listed on the Honour Board and the Roll of Honour is linked to the school website.
Military History
Maryborough State High School has a unique connection to the Gallipoli Landing with Major Duncan Chapman, a former student being recognised as the first officer ashore at Gallipoli and the 9th Battalion, many of whom came from Maryborough, being recognised as the first Battalion ashore at Gallipoli. The school colours of blue and brown reflect the colours of the 47th Battalion later becoming the 9th Battalion.
The Cadets Corps was an important part of school life in the 1890's and shooting competitions held against Gympie become a major part of the Boys High School.
In 1953 there were 180 boys in 5 platoons. The parades were held every Friday afternoon from 2.30pm to 4.15pm with the boys attending annual camps at Enoggera, Greenbank or Yeppoon. As well as traditional military skills in arms and drills, students learned map and compass work, first aid and radio skills. As to be expected, the firing of weapons was far more popular than drill and 'spit and polish'.
Cadets reached their peak of activity in the early 1960's. The Vietnam War and the resultant anti-militanistic atmosphere resulted in a decline of the Cadet Movement. In 1975, the Australian Government made a decision to discontinue sponsorship of school cadet units.
Grammar School Years 1881-1936
Maryborough in 1880 was a prosperous town and with that growth there was a demand for a school of higher learning. In 1876 a ten acre block bounded by Kent, Fort, Sussex and Ferry Streets was reserved for school purposes. In September 1880 a grand bazaar was held in the Town Hall to raise funds to build the Boys Grammar School. As extra funds were raised the Trustees decided to put the money towards building a Girls Grammar School. On 5 September 1881, the Maryborough Grammar School was opened. Total attendance was 50, 26 girls and 24 boys.
In 1883 the Girls Grammar School was opened and Kent Street separated the campuses. In 1884 the school coat of arms which is still used today was decided upon and an open air gymnasium was built.
In 1917 the ordinary curriculum was - Latin, French, German, English, Geography and English History while at the Girls' school it also included, Greek, Ancient and European History, Botany, Physiology, Biology, Harmony, Drawing and Painting, Class Singing and Typewriting, Book-keeping and Shorthand for the "Commercial or Civil Service" pupils.
The Boys Grammar School had boarders and day students. The Great Depression forced a financial strain on the Grammar School and in January 1936 the State Government took over the Grammar Schools with the Boys High and Intermediate School on one side of the road and the Girls High and Intermediate School on the other side.
The Boys High and the Girls High Years 1936-1974
After the State Government took over the Grammar Schools in 1936 the segregation remained for another 38 years, a situation that was unique in Queensland. In 1942, the Girls High School was closed for four weeks while air raid trenches were being dug. By 1947 money became available and Fort Street was closed off and the levelled sports oval would be used to welcome King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret who were to visit in August 1948. However due to the King's ill health the oval which became known as Kings Oval was not opened until May 7, 1949.
Girls chose either Commercial, Academic or Domestic Science Courses and most students left after completing Year 10. Boys traditionally did 8 subjects for Junior, selecting English, French, Latin, Maths A, Maths B, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, Book-keeping or Trade subjects. Like the girls most boys left after Junior and those who completed Senior usually went to University in Brisbane. Most students and teachers rode bicycles to school. The 1960's saw the end of scholarship examination and the Intermediate Schools. Junior courses focused on three main strands: Academic, Commercial, Technical (Boys), Home Science (Girls).
After 1964 Year 7 was to be completed at Primary school and students started school in Year 8. School uniforms were strictly enforced. Outlandish belts and long hair was banned for the boys and girls dresses had to be no more than one inch above the knee when kneeling.
Maryborough State High School 1974 - Today
In 1974 the Boys and Girls High Schools combined, many of the existing traditions were maintained including the school coat of arms, motto and uniform and the sports houses were combined. Today Maryborough State High school offers a range of future career or vocational pathways. In addition to the recognised academic subjects which generally lead to tertiary qualifications, students are now faced with a large number of vocational subjects which offer nationally recognised accreditation. Since 2002, Maryborough State High school has hosted the annual Maryborough Technology Challenge.
Sports Houses
The school house names are derived from people or families who have had a significant connection with the school or district.
Boys
Glasgow - Sir Thomas WM Glasgow, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. an "old boy" who became Minister for Defence and High Commissioner to Canada.
Melville - The Melville family was associated with Maryborough's early history. Donated the organ and bell to the Presbyterian Church, a Ward to the hospital and the Melville medals for education.
Morton - Mr. H.G.S. Morton, and "old boy" who was a brilliant scholar and a talented sportsman. He became a prominent citizen of Maryborough.
Barton (created in 1962) - Mr C.H. Barton was prominent in moves to establish the Maryborough Grammar School. He was the first appointed Second Master of the school having lived in Maryborough for 12 years. He was married with a family of ten living on a farm some twenty miles from town, which he used to walk from the school each Friday returning the same way to the school on Sunday.
Girls
Horsburgh - The Horsburgh family was prominent in Maryborough business circles.
Russell (created in 1964) - Reputed to have reached the district with Petrie in 1842.
Harrington - Mr Harrington was a manager of Walkers Ltd and a President of the Chamber of Commerce.
Hyne - Mr R.M. Hyne was the Mayor of Maryborough who called a public meeting in 1878 which inaugurated the movement for the establishment of the Grammar schools.
In 1974, the sporting houses were combined to become: Barton-Hyne (blue), Glasgow-Horsburgh (green), Melville-Russell (red) and Morton-Harrington (yellow).
Buildings
A Block building and Q Block buildings are on the Australian Heritage Commission - Register of the National Estate. The former Boys' Grammar school "Q Block" building and the former Girls' Grammar school "A Block" building face each other across Kent Street. The buildings are set back from the road with matching brick and stucco gate pillars and wrought iron pickets and gates.
Maryborough State High School is of historical, social and educational significance to Maryborough. The buildings are of architectural significance demonstrating the characteristics of both Gothic Revival and Classic Revival styles.
The Boys' Grammar School building is High Victorian Gothic Revival of brick construction with timber floor and corrugated iron roof. In about 1900 a new floor was added above the assembly hall. It is a fine example of Victorian school architecture with a typical massing of fineness of detail. The Girls' Grammar school building is Classic Revival, a two storey brick building with suspended timber floors. The roof is topped by a small cupola set to the west of the main axis of symmetry. The assembly hall features elaborate timber joinery and stained glass fan lights.
This project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
