The Time School series follows four friends as they navigate their way through the first year at secondary school, whilst returning to the past at different time-periods. During these time-travelling adventures, they each discover something about their family history, as well as how events that were going on at that time affected their families. This is an opportunity for the children to understand how the past affects your present life and for Jess, Nadia, Ash and Tomma, how these events have affected them personally.
When you're running late for school, then you find your usual train has turned into an old steam train, you know it's not going to be a normal day. What you don't expect is that it will be a 'take you back in time' sort of day. Jess, Nadia, Tomma and Ash find themselves spending the day at Hickley School one hundred years in the past. They are told stories of bombings, hunger, and fighting, from fellow pupil, Martha, the only person willing to speak to them. After their time travel adventure, they work out the significance of the year, 1918, and plot to go back. They want to experience a significant moment in history and Jess wants to see Martha again. Not knowing why or how, Jess feels a connection to Martha, and an obligation towards her that she can't explain. Going back in time has its risks. Once you go back, there's no way of knowing if you'll be able to make it home.