Back to School: In the Playground

Posted on Monday, 29th July 2024 by Janine Rizzetti

Did you notice the rather horrifying play equipment on our publicity poster for the ‘Back to School’ exhibition? The image shows the playground at the back of Heidelberg State School, Cape Street Heidelberg, prior to the 1923 renovations that changed the school to the appearance it still has today. You can still glimpse some of the old school wall to the right of the photo from Darebin Street today.

There’s no tanbark or soft surfaces, and somehow I doubt that this play equipment would be approved today.

Students at Alphington State School remember their school yard being clearly divided between a ‘girls yard’ and a ‘boys yard’. What do you remember of the schoolyard when you went to school?

Come to see the ‘Back to School’ exhibition at Heidelberg Historical Society, Old Courthouse Museum, corner Jika Street and Park Lane Heidelberg. We’re open on Sundays between 2.00 and 5.00 p.m. Entry $5.00, members and children under 16 free.