The ins and outs of the classroom lives of a group of students who attend the fictional Hartley High School in Sydney.
Nick and cousin Con get back into the swing of things for another year at Hartley High with new teachers to stir and girls to check out. New teacher Christina struggles with her students until a brawl in the schoolyard changes everything.
Talented newcomer Jodie sparks a revolt among the students with her controversial rap song titled "Burn Down the School", garnering the attention of Southgate.With threats of suspension, fear of reprisals and a strike on the horizon, the heat is on for an amicable solution.
Newly appointed coach Christina establishes a school soccer team and attempts to blow the whistle on sexual stereotypes. Meanwhile Con helps Jodie make a demo tape of her songs.
Sparks fly when Nick spends the night with Jodie and Southgate steps in to help Rivers when questioned about a stolen car, placing Chaka in considerable jeopardy.
Nick is at a crossroad in his life and leaves home to move in with Jodie. But Jodie is distracted by an offer from a record company executive that may lead her away to live in Melbourne.
With her mother away and brother in trouble, family responsibilities become a burden for Chaka, leading he friends to rally for support. Meanwhile, Marco presses Christina to set a wedding date.
Morale is at an all-time low with the soccer team and Christina seeks helps from former professional player George. Meanwhile, Hartley's new debating team tackle the merits of Australia becoming a republic.
When Irini tragically dies in a car accident, the aftermath sends Nick spiralling out of control and into trouble with the law.
Con schemes to get new uniforms for the soccer team while his mother arranges help for the Poulos' home. Meanwhile, Steve misses rubgy training to sit an exam and threatens his spot on the team.
Nick and Jodie have a spat that ends badly. Marco announces a promotion that will take him to Perth and away from Christina. A new drama teacher attracts the attentions of his female students.
Rose has a crush on Mr. North, placing him in an awkward situation. Steve and Rivers are punished for fighting and ordered to work together to clean up the school yard.
Yola advises a pregnant Nicole, which causes a professional crisis when the girl's condition is revealed. Meanwhile, Rivers takes Chaka to an expensive restaurant and Rose spies Mr. North with Christina.
A jealous Rose lets Mr. North's secret indiscretion slip to Christina. Horrified, she breaks all ties, causing Phil to resign. Meanwhile, Jodie rallies her fellow students to save the school's music program.
Under suspicion from students, Graham considers leaving Hartley High. Meanwhile, Chaka's father speaks up about oppression and violence, leaving Chaka to make a difficult decision about her future.
Friends rally to get Rose and Jack together for the school dance. Yola and Southgate become locked in a storage cupboard and Con gets Jodie a gig to perform at the dance.
Stella's daughter Katerina shows up unexpectedly and starts making life uncomfortable for both Nick and her mother. After Jack is beaten up, Rose's father forbids her to continue dating him.
Southgate is pressured to resign after he reacts violently during a confrontation with Katerina. Yola's involvement with a married man bothers Christina.
Nick and Danielle participate in a gardening work experience program and face an emergency. Con arranges for Jodie to work at a recording studio and secures her a job singing jingles.
Rivers unknowingly buys some stolen car parts through Con and then refuses to name his supplier when called upon by the police.
As acting principal, Southgate takes drastic measures to prevent the possible closure of the school. Steve learns of Nick and Danielle's blossoming relationship and lands in hospital after a scuffle with Nick.
A phantom skater gets up Southgate's nose after he bans inline skating and tensions are palpable among members of the gang.
After Rose announces that she is pregnant, she moves in at the Poulos's until things settle down back at home. Stella teaches George to dance when he agrees to accompany her to a party.
Con pressures Jodie into entering a talent contest but faces humiliation when she refuses to perform. A bet with Steve causes troubles and drives Rivers to break into the school to steal an exam paper.
New class captain Nick butts head with Southgate when he is forced to bring his friends into line and Con discovers that the new woman in his life has a child.
Danielle's first foray into modeling turns awkward when the photographer talks her into posing nude for an adult magazine. Con's relationship with Greta turns sour.
Steve decides to move out and get an apartment with Rivers and Jodie. Christina makes a decision about Mack's invitation to join him overseas.
Steve, angry after learning that he was adopted, is caught stealing from his employer and the police are called. Danielle and Jodie fight over Nick.
Steve wants to keep a stray dog that he befriends but Deloraine and Rivers have other ideas. Stella invites Katerina to go with her to Greece.
