Christina Milano, Hartley High's young new English and history teacher, has difficulties gaining control of her first class until a brawl in the schoolyard gives her the opportunity to win the respect of her students. New student Jodie Cooper catches the eye of Nick Poulos.

The banning of Jodie's incendiary rap song sparks a freedom-of-speech revolt among the students. Nick, Rose and Jodie lead their fellow students in a strike and Deloraine counters with the threat of suspensions for all those involved. The dispute is amicably settled with everyone getting their demands met — except for Con who doesn't get the soccer team he wanted, he does however get Danielle and Steve back together in time for Valentine's Day.

Christina gets approval for a school soccer team by volunteering to be its coach. Con borrows an amplifier from his uncle to allow Jodie to make a demo tape of her songs. Danielle creates some controversy when she asks to try out for the new soccer team. Rumours about Nick and Jodie's relationship make their way through the school.

Nick spends the night with Jodie, causing his parents to worry about his absence. Southgate helps Rivers deal with the cops when they want to question him about a stolen car. Chaka worries about her presence in the stolen vehicle being revealed to the police.

After leaving home following an argument with his father, Nick moves in with Jodie and begins looking for a job so that he can drop out of school. A record company executive takes an interest in Jodie and offers her a job with a rock band in Melbourne. Christina reproaches Marco for his constant unannounced and inconsiderate drop-ins, reminding him that she lives with Yola, not him.