Steve to his teachers and mates, Stefan to his parents, Steve Popovski is sixteen and wants to leave school. His father, Vasel, came to Australia to find a better life for his children. Vasel sees passing secondary school as the key to a "good job" and an assured future for his eldest son.

Steve's teacher Andrew knows that Steve won't pass but still believes school has a lot to offer the boy. As the contradictory pressures of well meaning adults mount, Steve starts skipping class, setting in motion a train of events that bring his situation to a head.