Freedom Writers is inspired by the true story of an idealistic young woman, Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank), whose passion to teach is soon challenged by a group of ethnically and economically diverse delinquents and gang members, who dislike her even more than they dislike each other.

The film - which stars Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton and Mario, the RB star - opens nationwide on March 2, but TES Magazine readers can see it first and for free at 30 special preview screenings around the country on Sunday February 25, thanks to Paramount Pictures and The TES.

After a tragedy shook Erin’s school in Long Beach, California, she searched for a way to address the issues in her pupils’ lives. She introduces them to The Diary of Anne Frank and finds that they identify with Anne’s challenges.

As she listens to her pupils, she begins to understand that getting through the day alive is enough for these kids - they are not delinquents but teenagers fighting “a war of the streets”.

Erin gives them something they never had from a teacher before - respect.

But asking them to keep a journal was the assignment that would profoundly change her pupils’ existence. For the first time, her pupils hope they can show the world that their lives matter and they have something to say.

The film is based on The Freedom Writers Diary, the bestselling book by the Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell. The film has a 12 certificate.

www.freedomwritersmovie.co.uk

Visit www.filmeducation.org for online teaching resources, coming soon

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKETS

Screenings take place at 10.30am on Sunday 25 February.

For a pair of free tickets, visit www.seefilmfirst.com and follow the instructions.

You’ll need to enter the reference code 582088, which will take you to the special The TES Magazine Freedom Writers page. You will be able to print off a pair of tickets to bring along with you on the morning.

But remember it’s first come, first served, so act now to avoid missing out.

WHERE TO GO

Odeon Bath, Birmingham, Brighton, Camden Town, Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenwich, Huddersfield, Hull, Lee Valley, LeedsBradford, Leicester, Liverpool, Maidstone, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Sheffield, Newcastle, Southampton, Southend on Sea, Taunton, Thurrock, Whiteleys and Showcase Bristol, Coventry, Nottingham, Peterborough and Reading.