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 2001…
First generation iPod released
Just over eight months after the release of iTunes, Apple release the iPod on 23rd October. Their first portable media player, it is credited by PC World as “altering the landscape for portable audio players.” A huge success, the sixth generation iPod would be released on 15th July 2015.
Germany 1-5 England
On 1st September, the England national football team travel to Munich to face age-old rivals Germany in a 2002 FIFA Wold Cup qualifying match. England fall behind after six minutes but roar back with five unanswered goals (including a Michael Owen hat-trick) to win 5-1.
Another Labour landslide
Following on from his crushing victory four years previous, Tony Blair and his Labour party lose just five seats in the general election held on 7th June. He would go on to become the first Labour Prime Minister to serve a second consecutive full term in office.
Wikipedia project opens
After being initially proposed in December 2000, the online encyclopedia Wikipedia is formally launched on 15th January. By the end of 2004, wikipedia.org would host over 1 million articles in 100 languages. As of January 2015, the website hosted 36 million articles in 291 languages.
Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens
After being closed to the public in 1989 due to fears over it’s long-term stability, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is reopened on 15th December. During its closure, the tower was straightened by 45 centimetres (17.7 inches).
My precious
Peter Jackson’s big-screen adaptation of the first volume of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is released on 10th December. The film becomes the second highest-grossing film of the year and is nominated for 13 Oscars at the 74th Academy Awards. Jackson would go on to enjoy continued success with two follow-up films – The Lord of the Rings – The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King.
Can’t Get You Out of My Head
On 8th September Australian singer Kylie Minogue releases Can’t Get You Out of My Head – the lead single from her eighth studio album. As of 2016, the track is Minogue’s highest-selling single with worldwide sales exceeding seven million units.
SSAT class of 2001
Schools to have joined SSAT in 2001, and still be part of the SSAT network, include:
- Chase Terrace Technology College
- Swavesey Village College
- Alder Grange Community & Technology School
- Parklands Academy
- Wellacre Academy
- Haughton Academy
- Barr Beacon School
- Sandon Business and Enterprise College
- Sir John Lawes School
- Sandringham School
- The Appleton School
- Wanstead High School
- St Thomas More R C College
- Chailey School
- Garth Hill College
- Beauchamps High School
- Millais School
- Northfleet Technology College
- Cheshunt School
- Gunnersbury Catholic School
- Holly Hall Academy
- Sale Grammar School
- South Craven School
- Invicta Grammar School
- West Somerset Community College
- Shire Oak Academy
- Tollbar Academy
- Ringwood School Academy
- The Sweyne Park School
- Colchester County High School for Girls.
