Governor Stirling Senior High School

The new Governor Stirling Senior High School Redevelopment in Woodbridge replaces the existing school with a modern facility. Opened in 2013 at a cost of $60M it was the first full redevelopment of senior high school constructed in a single stage in WA. The 4.6tha site is culturally and historically significant being adjacent to the Aboriginal ‘sacred’ Swan River and part of Western Australia’s founding Governor’s estate; James Stirling and The National Trust owned ‘Woodbridge House’.

The design provides an adaptable state-of-the-art facility that caters for the current education program and future changes in education delivery methods and organisational structures, accommodating a school population of 1000 students, Years 8-12.

A combination of two storey buildings massed together under a single roof, create a cloistered compact plan overlooking the river. This built form provides unity and a distinctive identity to create a civic presence for the school.

The two-storey entry foyer/gallery connecting the Administration and Performing Arts is located adjoining the river to provide the visitor an appreciation of the unique river setting upon arrival and provides an uplifting and welcoming public face to the school.

The design maximises the relationship between building and river and the surrounding context to create a sense of place. The ground and first floor presents a permeable mass around a central main space divided into three courtyards. Views between the buildings connect the courtyards to the surrounding context in all directions.

Governor Stirling Senior High School was opened at the beginning of 2013 school year by the premier of Western Australia, the Hon Colin Barnett.