Adelaide, Grote Street / The Advanced School for Girls erected 1891. South Australia

            The South Australian Government established the Advanced School for Girls in Franklin Street, Adelaide in 1879. 
This acknowledgement of the changing role of women and the need for well-educated teachers after the Education Act 1875 was only five years after the founding of the University of Adelaide, which from its inception planned to admit women to degrees.
The Advanced School offered girls, whose parents could afford the fees, preparation for university education and entry into the professions. It was viewed with pride by Adelaide families. It was South Australia’s only public academic high school. [Ref: Adelaidia]

Involved in the formation of the Advanced School were campaigners, public health reformer Dr Allen Campbell, the writer and reformer Catherine Helen Spence, and educationist John Hartley, who was headmaster of Prince Alfred College.
Despite objections that an advanced education in mathematics, science and languages would be of no use to girls destined to enter domestic service, Dr Campbell headed a committee to establish the school, and worked closely with Madeline Rees George.

By the late 1880s the school had grown and flourished and this red brick building was designed by C E Owen Smyth, the superintendent of public buildings. It was built by J J Leahy in 1891.
It had 11 rooms, five of which were classrooms. There was a dining room and kitchen, with a music room being added in 1902.

The Advanced School shifted to their new premises in September 1891 and the following report of year’s activities reveals their appreciation and pleasure with their improved circumstances. 

*ADVANCED SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
The annual prize distribution in connection with the Advanced School for Girls took place in the Victoria Hall on Wednesday evening, December 16. The Minister of Education (Hon J G Jenkins MP) presided over an overflowing audience. As usual the scholars were arranged on the dais surrounding the President's chair. The prizes were distributed by the Minister in three sections— first, second, and third classes; fourth and fifth classes; and special prizes. 
The Inspector-General of Schools (Mr J A Hartley BA BSc) read the report of the Head Mistress (Miss Madeline Lees George) as follows: “The year 1891, now drawing to a close, has been a memorable one in the history of the Advanced School for Girls. Our long-cherished wish was fulfilled when in September we removed from our old inconvenient premises and took possession of the new school erected especially for us in Grote Street. 
The change has proved a vast improvement in every respect, and teachers and pupils alike appreciate the benefit derived from lofty, well-ventilated classrooms and the many conveniences hitherto lacking. Among the numerous advantages that of a large asphalted playground is not the least. Now the girls have plenty of room for games and recreation. A tennis court has been marked out, and next year we hope to form a club.
“We have every reason to be satisfied with the attendance. In 1890 we closed with 144 names on the roll. This year our pupils number 163, and the increase throughout the year has been no less marked. 
“Last year the average attendance was 124: this year it is 150. Our work has been on much the same lines as in former years, and the energy and industry of the girls who have entered for the various examinations are deserving of all praise: while in the lower classes the work done is good and thorough, and the pupils take a hearty interest in it.
“The results obtained in the University examinations are very satisfactory. In the Preliminary Examination twenty-six girls passed. In the Junior there were fifteen successful candidates, two being placed in the first class, one in the second, eight in the third, while four were not classified owing to the girls having been over the age. 

The Old Scholars' Association continues an active and energetic existence, and the interest shown by the old scholars in the school and their affection for it are particularly gratifying. Many of our former pupils are engaged in teaching: others are studying at the University. We follow their career with great interest, and it is a source of pleasure to us to see how well they figure in the University lists this year. 

Mr Hartley also congratulated the audience of parents and friends before him and the community at large upon the possession of the Advanced School. A few weeks ago invitations were issued for a party of visitors to inspect the new school building in Grote Street, for they wanted the people to see the fine building erected for the girls, and if there were any doubts about the suitableness of the premises they would soon be dispelled. [Ref: South Australian Register Thursday 17 December 1891]

   

Taken on: June 8, 2020

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Adelaide

Grote

Advanced

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Girls

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academic

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Helen Spence

John Hartley

C E Owen Smyth

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Madeline Lees George

headmistress

Old

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Sets appears in: • Grote Street & Wakefield Street , Adelaide South Australia • Schools - South Australia

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Camera:	Panasonic DC-TZ90
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Aperture:	f/3.3
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/1000)
Focal Length:	4.3mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Landscape
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