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 2003…
Concorde says goodbye
After 27 years’ service, supersonic aircraft Concorde makes it’s final commercial flight.
Armstrong wins 5th Tour de France
American cyclist Lance Armstrong wins his fifth consecutive Tour de France with the U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team. Competing constantly against a backdrop of doping allegations, Armstrong (it would transpire a decade later) was indeed cheating his way to success.
Arnie elected as Governor of California
Three-times winner of Mr Universe, renowned Hollywood actor and Republican candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger is sworn into office as 38th Governor of California on 17th November. He would hold the position for just over seven years.
UK record temperature recorded
On 10th August a UK record temperature of 38.5 °C is recorded in Brogdale, Kent. 2003’s summer is the hottest for 13 years.
Bye bye Beetle
On the 30th July, after 65 years of production, the very last Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the factory line in Puebla, Mexico. With over 21.5 million Type 1 Beetles manufactured, it is the longest-running and most-manufactured car of a single platform ever made.
Human genome breakthrough
Two years earlier than anticipated, the final sequencing mapping of the human genome is published on 14th April.
Where is the love?
Taken from the Black Eyed Peas’ third album Elephunk, Where Is The Love? is released on 16th June. It would go on to be the biggest-selling single of the year, and the 25th best-selling single of the 2000s in the UK.
SSAT class of 2003
Schools to have joined SSAT in 2003, and still be part of the SSAT network, include:
- Rockwood Academy
- Finham Park School
- Loreto Grammar School
- Lordswood Girls’ School and Sixth Form Centre
- St Peter’s Catholic High School
- King James’s School
- Pilton Community College
- Kingstone High School
- Netherthorpe School
- Alec Reed Academy
- Orleans Park School
- St Michael’s CofE High School
- Charlton School
- Giles Academy
- Heathfield Community School
- St Saviour’s and St Olave’s CofE School
- The Mountbatten School
- Beaumont School
- Holy Trinity CofE Secondary School, Crawley
- City of London Academy Southwark
- St Richard’s Catholic College
- Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
- Fernwood School
- Saint Thomas More Language College
- Bramhall High School
- Bradfield School
- Mortimer Community College
- Neston High School
- Montsaye Academy
- Burton Borough School
- Middlewich High School
- Beal High School
- St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School
- Burnside Business & Enterprise College
- Brockhill Park Performing Arts College
- Highgate Wood Secondary School
- The Petersfield School
- Waverley School
- Wakefield City Academy
- Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
