It's the start of a new year and there are two new members of staff. Simon worries about falling into the same old routine while Kurt is still trying to dump Carol. Susan finds herself with a crush on new French teacher JP.

Kurt and Brian concoct a scheme to try and save Kurt from Carol; Penny gets dragged unknowingly into the mess. Penny tries to help Simon with his new 'identity crisis' while Jenny takes drastic measures to save Kurt.

Brian finds himself having doubts about his sexuality. Kurt, Simon and Susan take advantage of this, but JP's sporting skills put Brian straight. Jenny feels let down after organising the career fair.

Susan starts to feel uncomfortable living with Jenny as her infatuation with Alec grows. As the consequences of this spread to the English department, Brian, Penny and Simon all suffer and sympathise with Susan.

Clare decides that the staff must allow the students more time to talk to them. However, much to Simon, Kurt and Brian's disgust, JP somehow manages to avoid this. Bob undergoes a rebirth and Penny continues to cause a path of destruction.

After Bev comes back into the school and gives a talk about motherhood, Susan finds herself unexpectedly feeling broody; a search for a suitable father follows and Carol has a new boyfriend on the horizon.

Simon's life crisis hits an all-time high as he realises just how boring his life is. After a rash decision, which has massive consequences, he finds his life will never be the same again.

After Simon has left the English Department in the lurch, Penny takes on a much larger workload; Jenny uses her new-found energy to take her under her wing. Susan, Kurt and Brian decide that Jenny cannot balance work and relationships.

Penny shows Simon's replacement, Matt, around the school before the Christmas party. While she forms a close relationship with Matt, Kurt and Brian spend the evening wondering how or who they will pull.