Welcome to the SSAT class of… series. We’re looking back at the past 27 years and paying tribute to some of our longest-serving member schools. We hope you enjoy the trip down memory lane and feel free to add your own memories in the comments below or via social media (remember to use #SSATClassOf)!
The year that was 1998…
Good Friday Agreement
Signed on 10th April, the Good Friday Agreement brought to an end 30 years of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. The Agreement was approved by voters across the island of Ireland in two referendums held on 22nd May and became effective on 2nd December.
Just Google it
After the domain google.com was registered on September 15th 1997, Google is formally incorporated on September 4th in a garage in California. As of 24th December 2015 Google was (behind Apple on $605 billion) the second most-valuable company in the world – worth $527 billion.
Lewinsky scandal
During a White House press conference on 26th January President Bill Clinton tells his audience “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” DNA evidence would later prove the relationship but after a 21-day long trial for perjury, Clinton was acquitted of all charges and remained in office.
Under the Bridge
The third single from their best-selling debut album, Under the Bridge gives UK girl group All Saints their second number-one single. Released on 27th April, it sells 424,799 copies with all proceeds going to breast cancer charities.
DVD killed the video star
Almost three years after Twister became the first film to be released in DVD format, the full launch of The Digital Video Disc (now known as the Digital Versatile Disc) takes place in Europe in October.
France win home World Cup
Two goals from Juventus midfielder Zinedine Zidane and a third in goal in injury time from Arsenal’s Emmanuel Petit give France a 3-0 victory over Brazil in the final of the 1998 World Cup in Paris on 12th July.
Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg’s epic war drama Saving Private Ryan is released on 24th July. Starring Tom Hanks, Edward Burns and Matt Damon, the film would go on to be the second highest-grossing film of the year and win five Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Film Editing, and Best Director for Spielberg.
SSAT class of 1998
Schools to have joined SSAT in 1998, and still be part of the network, include:
- St Gregory’s RC High School
- John Masefield High School
- Longcroft School and Performing Arts College
- The Academy at Shotton Hall.
