A school system on the brink of change in a misunderstood country.

Despite rarely finding itself out of the headlines, the Middle East is frequently misunderstood. Syrian School goes beyond the clichés to meet the human face of a fast growing young population, whose government is modernizing the education system to encourage a generation of children able to think for themselves. This unique series looks at a fascinating country through the eyes of its schoolchildren, their families and their teachers.

Changing Schools

It's the start of the new school year, which this year coincides with the beginning of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. Passionate head teacher Amal Hassan has been in charge of Zaki Al-Arsuzi Girls' Secondary School for over a decade. She expects a lot of her girls and is surprised that so many are now wearing the hijab. Click for airtimes and more info.

Rap Refugees

At first sight Yarmouk looks like a normal suburb of Damascus. But it's a refugee camp, home to many second and third generation Palestinian refugees, and two girls who want to publicize the Palestinian cause through rap. Click for airtimes and more info.

Being Inspired

As a teenage girl it isn't easy to find ways to express yourself in Syria, but there’s one outlet that's releasing a wave of emotion in Zaki Al-Arsuzi School - the Poetry Society. Click for airtimes and more info.

Syria's Got Talent

It's Syria's nationwide search for the best and brightest primary school students! It's also a way for the ruling party to encourage the top students, find good representatives of their country, and ensure that the party's message is reinforced. Click for airtimes and more info.

Marked for Life

The whole city seems in a state of panic over the impending arrival of this year's Baccalaureate Examination, from teachers to parents and pupils and the fifth and final episode follows the students as they prepare. Click for airtimes and more info.