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 2004…
Facebook launched
On February 4th, Mark Zuckerberg and four of his Harvard College roommates launch the online social networking website Facebook. As of December 31st 2015, it had 1.59 billion monthly active users, and posted a net income of $3.688 billion for the 2015 financial year.
Portugal knock England out of Euro 2004
Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Ricardo scores the winning penalty as tournament hosts Portugal knock England out of the European Championships at the quarter-final stage. They would go on to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the next round before suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Greece in the final.
Enlargement of the European Union
On 1st May, the largest single expansion of the European Union occurs. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia all join.
The Passion of the Christ
Directed by Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ is released on 25th February. Not without its critics, it would be named the most controversial film of all time in the June 2006 issue of Entertainment Weekly, and in 2010, Time would list it as one of the most “ridiculously violent” films of all time.
60th anniversary of D-Day
1st June marks 60 years to the day since the D-Day landings by a combined force of British, American, Canadian and French forces began the largest sea-borne invasion ever launched, and the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Athens 2004
The 2004 Summer Olympics take place in Greece from 13th-29th August. The United States of America top the medal chart with 36 gold, 39 silver and 26 bronze medals.
Hunting Act 2004
Banning the hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, the Hunting Act 2004 is passed in November. The act would come into force on 18th February 2015.
SSAT class of 2004
Schools to have joined SSAT in 2004, and still be part of the SSAT network, include:
- Kelmscott School
- Sharnbrook Upper School
- The Gilberd School
- St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic High School
- Devonport High School for Girls
- Ullswater Community College
- Ousedale School
- Penketh High School
- Capital City Academy
- The Royal Liberty School
- Swakeleys School for Girls
- West Kirby Grammar School
- Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic School
- St John the Baptist School
- Prendergast Ladywell School
- Bonus Pastor Catholic College
- Eastbrook School
- Barr’s Hill School & Community College
- The King’s School, Pontefract
- Eastlea Community School
- The Palmer Catholic Academy
- Mayfield School
- Abbey Grange Church of England Academy
