There have been reports of students wielding knives, kids gettingbeaten up and bullied, and after-school fights while walking to the Hamilton bus station.

But what about the good side to the new CedarBridge Academy and the kids who are taking advantage of what this "mega'' school has to offer? Some of the sixth year students at the school spoke with The Royal Gazette about what their aims are, what the school is doing for them, and their ideas on where the violence derives.

The sixth year programme at the school is basically a "second chance'' for students who have already finished high school. It enables them to raise their grade point average (GPA) and prepares them for either going away to college or attending the Bermuda College.

The four students interviewed stood firm in their belief that CedarBridge really had something good to offer and "immature'' students were just not taking advantage of the opportunities.

Queenicia Joell, who's 18-years-old, said she feels it is a privilege to be a member of the CedarBridge Academy body.

"I feel CedarBridge was worth the time and money that was put into it to better our children's future.

"I have been given the opportunity to have a second chance to be educated, to bring my GPA up and when I leave here I want to go away to college. I'd like to be an evangelist and child psychologist.'' On being a role model for the younger students, Queenicia said: "I feel the younger kids do look up to me because I feel I'm an example to encourage others to take every chance they have to be educated.'' Eighteen-year-old Tina Smith said being an older student at CedarBridge gives her an advantage because "we have a lot more experience, we've already graduated from high school. We are like adults.

"I'm here to get an education and hopefully I will go to college and take with me some of the skills I have learned at CedarBridge.'' Tina said she chose to go to CedarBridge to do the sixth year programme because "it gives me one more year of maturity. I could have gone to Bermuda College but this was free and there were more general studies programmes.'' Selica Ming, 17, said having graduated from Berkeley and being back in school has caused her to understand what the adults have been saying about the younger students -- being immature and not taking advantage of the school. "I can see both sides.'' Selica added: "In some ways I think this year is preparing me for college. I really feel more relaxed here than I did in high school because everyone just worries about themselves and if there are cliques it doesn't matter because there are so many kids in this school.'' Nineteen-year-old JaVaughn Dill agreed saying that everyone in the school is doing their own thing.

"I'm here to upgrade -- improve my grades so I can get into the culinary department at the Bermuda College. I want to be a chef.'' College preparatory advisor Nancy Mattola interjects: "Giving the students in the sixth year a chance to upgrade their grades gives them a better opportunity to get into college. Before this, once a person graduated from high school they either went to the Bermuda College, or work. Now everyone has the opportunity to improve their GPA. It's like getting a second chance.'' JaVaughn continues: "I'm benefiting because I'm able to retake some classes from high school to do better and I'm doing much better. After finishing Berkeley I did not feel ready to go to college but now I feel like I'm getting ready.'' On the issue of the outbreak of violence at the school Queenicia said: "I think there has been problems here because there is a lack of maturity.'' She added: "I feel it takes a mature individual to talk out their problems instead of fighting. Many of the younger students feel using their fists is the answer to solving problems and gaining a reputation but then it comes down to the individual knowing who they are themselves instead of having their peers predicting who they are.'' Selica said she feels the onslaught of violence at CedarBridge comes from a lack of love.

"If your parents are telling you at home that they love you I don't see why these same people would come to school and beat people up.'' Tina added: "I think the school should have more programmes to help them deal with their anger. I think some of the kids need outlets for their anger.'' JaVaughn thought the violence may stem from who certain people look at as role models.

"I think some of those young students should not look for role models where they hang out. They should look for positive role models.'' Selica added: "I think they should look for role models in the Bible because we make mistakes as human beings.'' OLDER AND WISER -- These CedarBridge Academy students, who are all in the year six programme at the school, feel they are getting a second chance with their high school education. Pictured from left are Selica Ming, 17, Tina Smith, 18, Queenicia Joell, 18, and JaVaughn Dill, 19.