Bermuda's most controversial school has started classes in non-violence after a series of Police incidents involving students.

CedarBridge Academy pupils are also being encouraged to join a series of "peaceful'' activities in a special non-violence season at the school.

And the number of volunteers registered with the school to help children with reading has risen to more than 100, it was revealed yesterday.

Headteacher Ernest Payette said 200 of the school's 1,200 students were enrolled in special programmes for youngsters with learning difficulties.

He said: "Yes, we've had problems but what the school's doing is positive and the kids are taking advantage of it.'' A 15-year-old boy was stabbed at the school after trying to defend a friend in a fight several weeks ago.

Some of the students also went on a pre-Halloween rampage last year, vandalising buses and attacking drivers.

But Mr. Payette told Hamilton Rotary Club yesterday that CedarBridge was earning a new positive image.

And he told The Royal Gazette the new anti-violence classes were changing the atmosphere in school.

"We are developing a season for non-violence and this month and next month we are promoting peaceful activities in the school,'' said Mr. Payette.

"For us, this is just the beginning. We want students to understand the importance of non-violence in their own culture.

"Plus, this is long-term. We are looking at alternative ways of dealing with confrontation and alternative ways of dealing with frustration.

"Some of our students are going through emotional trauma. They are learning that there are appropriate strategies which will allow them to deal with their feelings properly.

"For us, it's a major focus because of our concern for the students. They can achieve more and enjoy a better life.

"And the school can begin to free itself of the false image it has attained.'' Mr. Payette said the school's new army of volunteers had already begun training for in-school reading classes.

"Mote than 100 people are being trained and they're from all walks of life,'' said Mr. Payette.

"We're very encouraged and we are spending a lot of time and energy preparing for the programme and matching students with volunteers.

"The initial response has been one of those things that makes you feel really good.'' The headteacher said 200 youngsters preparing for the BSSE school-leaving exam had enrolled in extra classes for youngsters with learning difficulties.

But he added: "This isn't something which should be seen as negative. In fact, it's positive.

"These support programmes give the students opportunities they otherwise would not have and the youngsters are taking advantage of them.'' Learning-for-work programmes, like design and technology and communications, are full to capacity.

"For instance, students signing up for motor engineering will have to demonstrate they intend to pursue it as a career,'' said Mr. Payette.

"We only have one workshop and we have to get the best use out of it we can.''