improve students' character and attendance.

At a press conference on Tuesday, principal Kalmar Richards announced the formation of CedarBridge's first formal co-curriculum programme.

Teachers and members of the public will go into the classrooms after school and tutor students in a variety of activities designed to expose the students to non-academic subjects in which the student has a genuine interest.

Anthony Wade, programme official, said normally students have limited access to a wide variety of activities.

This programme is hoped to get student involved in things they enjoy like computers, yearbook, debate or clothing design.

Mr. Wade said, as an example, some of the students who came back from the Tall Ships 2000 event showed "remarkable change''.

Members of the business and community have already volunteered, said Mr. Wade.

"Right now we have one gentleman coming to build model engines.'' he said.

It is hoped that other organisations such as the Leo Club and Young Life will also join in.

More community groups and businesses are also invited to participate, by coaching or teaching students after school in any number of activities.

Teachers from information technology, social sciences, home studies and foreign languages have already volunteered.

Principal Richards said: "They are the key people this afternoon.''