The early and continuing commitment to play-based education, particularly in primary school, resulted in the provision of outdoor play space and sporting facilities, such as ovals and tennis courts.

[22][23][24][1] Although the 1893 Brisbane floods affected all the shoreline around West End and slowed development in the area, both the suburban and the school population continued to rise leading up to the 1930s.

West End became a popular residential area due to its close proximity to the Brisbane CBD, local employment, and transport options.

The fountains were dedicated to the victims of World War I at a ceremony held on 24 April 1930 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Anzac Day.

[40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47] The construction of substantial brick school buildings in prosperous or growing suburban areas and regional centres during the 1930s provided tangible proof of the government's commitment to remedy the unemployment situation.

[48][1] Overcrowding at West End State School, where enrolments totalled 885 pupils by the early 1930s, led to a deputation of concerned parents meeting with the Minister for Public Instruction (Frank Cooper) in November 1934.

Most were designed in a classical idiom to project the sense of stability and optimism which the government sought to convey through the architecture of its public buildings.

Classrooms were commonly divided by folding timber partitions and the undercroft was used as covered play space, storage, ablutions and other functions.

[56][1] Despite their similarities, each Depression-era Brick School building was individually designed by a DPW architect, which resulted in a wide range of styles and ornamental features being utilised within the overall set.

These styles, which were derived from contemporary tastes and fashions, included: Arts and Crafts, typified by half-timbered gable-ends; Spanish Mission, with round-arched openings and decorative parapets; and Neo-classical, with pilasters, columns and large triangular pediments.

[67][68] Slit trenches, to protect the students from Japanese air raids, were also dug at Queensland state schools, often by parents and staff.

The work included new chain-wire, timber-framed fence above the new retaining wall and along the boundaries of Hardgrave Road, Jane and Horan Streets.

Cypriots, Lebanese, Turks and Egyptians also had a strong presence, as well as residents from Britain, Ireland and New Zealand, and the indigenous population.

[71][1] Between 1988 and 1997, a masonry portico was added on the north side of the Depression-era brick school building, leading to the central staircase.

planted before World War II survives, located in the rainforest area in the southwest corner of the school grounds.

It is "E" shaped in plan with its long flank facing south to Vulture Street and its centre aligns with the main pedestrian entrance.

[1] The building character expresses a composed simplicity through the use of attractive, simple, and low maintenance materials with minimal decorative features, including extensive use of face bricks contrasting with smooth-rendered concrete and plain, regular fenestration.

Providing access to the rooms, a long open verandah runs across the rear (north) and returns at the end wings, terminating at the extensions.

[1] The side elevations (east and west) of the original portion are blank except for timber-framed casement windows into the cloak rooms and stairwells.

The rear elevation has a projecting central block accommodating teachers rooms and a stairwell with a tall, arch-headed window of fixed timber-framed panes.

[1] The sides and rear elevations of the end wing extensions (1974 - west, and 1984 - east) are complementary in character, materials, and composition, however, they do not mimic the detail of the earlier portion.

[1] An off-form concrete retaining wall (1947) stands on the school boundary, wrapping the Hardgrave Road and Vulture Street corner.

[1] A large grass playing field occupies the northern part (rear) of the site and is bordered by trees on the boundary of the school ground.

[1] The place retains an excellent example of a Depression-era brick school building, which was an architectural response to prevailing government educational philosophies; set in landscaped grounds with assembly and play areas, sporting facilities and mature trees.

These include: teaching buildings constructed to standard designs; and a generous, landscaped site, with mature trees, assembly and play areas, and sporting facilities.

[1] The Depression-era brick school building and its extensions, designed by the Department of Public Works, is an excellent, substantial, and intact example of its type.

It is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics, which include: a handsome edifice standing at the front of the school; symmetrical two-storey form of classrooms and teachers rooms above an undercroft of open play spaces; a linear layout of the main floors with rooms accessed by corridors; loadbearing masonry construction; prominent projecting central entrance bay, and high-quality design to provide superior educational environments that focus on abundant natural light and ventilation.

Through its elegant composition of formal and decorative elements, substantial size and materials, the highly intact Depression-era brick school building at West End State School has aesthetic significance due to its expressive attributes, by which the Department of Public Works sought to convey the concepts of progress and permanence.

Framed by mature trees, the building's assertive massing, classically influenced design, and elegant composition contribute to its dignified presence as an attractive and prominent feature in the streetscape.

They typically retain significant and enduring connections with former pupils, parents, and teachers; provide a venue for social interaction and volunteer work; and are a source of pride, symbolising local progress and aspirations.