Advanced International Cambridge Examinations

Description
Cambridge (AICE) courses are part of the Cambridge Advanced Programme – the culmination of a K-12 international program offered through Cambridge University. There are 55 different AICE subjects. These college-level courses and exams are provided in high schools and allow students the opportunity to earn college credit and advanced placement in college course sequencing, helping them to stand out in the admissions process.

• Cambridge Advanced AS and A Level Programme (high school)
• Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (middle school)
• Cambridge Primary Programme (elementary school)

In addition to individual A/AS level and IGCSE courses, students can earn the AICE Diploma (the Advanced International Certificate of Education). To earn an AICE Diploma, students must study a compulsory core subject, Cambridge AS Level Global Perspectives & Research, as well as Cambridge AS & A Level subjects drawn from three curriculum areas: mathematics and science (Group 1), languages (Group 2), and arts and humanities (Group 3). There is also the option to study interdisciplinary subjects (Group 4). For more information, please refer to the Cambridge AICE Diploma Qualifications.

Benefits
AICE coursework is challenging. However, any student who is motivated and interested may take an AICE course. As a District policy, students who register and take an AICE course must also take the AICE exam to successfully complete the course. The AICE exams are developed and scored by Cambridge University. AS and A Level AICE exam scores are accepted by most public colleges and universities in Florida and many Universities for college credit, advanced placement or both, based on successful exam scores of A, B, C, D or E. AICE exam results are sent directly to schools each year. Each university determines its own awarding of college credits based on their own policies (see AICE Credit Policies); however, all public state universities in Florida adhere to the credit policies listed in the statewide articulation agreement.

Students who have completed the Cambridge AICE Diploma curriculum with a composite score of 1290 SAT or 29 ACT and 100 hours of community service will receive the Florida Academic Scholars Award ($103 per semester hour tuition at 4-year colleges) from the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Students who have completed the Cambridge AICE Diploma curriculum with a composite score of 1170 SAT or 26 ACT and 75 hours of community service will receive the Florida Medallion Scholars Award ($77 per semester hour tuition at 4-year colleges) from the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Students who have completed the Cambridge AICE Diploma curriculum and the requirements set by the Florida Department of Education will receive either the Florida Academic Scholars Award or the Florida Medallion Scholars Award from the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Refer to this website to learn how much scholarship money students will earn for the FAS or the FMS Award, the eligibility requirements for both awards, and the steps students should take to apply.

Weighting
Palm Beach County weights for AP, AICE, DE IB courses are as follows:

• A = 6.0
• B = 4.5
• C = 3.0
• D = 1.5

Please note that this weighting is used to calculate HPA (Honors Point Average), but that not all colleges and universities keep this weighting when calculating GPA (Grade Point Average) for admissions determinations.

Schools that offer AICE courses
Many schools in Palm Beach County offer AICE courses. However, which courses and how many are offered, as well as whether or not the AICE Diploma is available, vary by school, based on student interest, teacher expertise, and resource availability.

Cambridge Lower Secondary Programmes:

Addison Mizner MS (K-8)
Boca Raton Community Middle School
Christa McAuliffe Middle School
Congress Middle School
Crestwood Middle School
Crossroads Academy
Don Estridge High Tech Middle School
Eagles Landing Middle School
Hidden Oaks K-8
Independence Middle School
Jupiter Middle School
Lantana Middle School
Loggers' Run Middle School
Omni Middle School
Palm Springs Community Middle School
Plumosa School of Arts K-8
Tradewinds Middle School
Verde K-8 School
Western Pines Community Middle School
Woodlands Middle School

Cambridge Primary Programmes:
Blue Lake
H.L. Johnson Elementary School
Plumosa School of Arts K-8
Verde K-8 School

Links to information on college acceptance of AICE scores:
AICE exam results are sent directly to schools each year. Each university determines its own awarding of college credits based on their own policies (see AICE Credit Policies); however, all public state universities in Florida adhere to the statewide articulation agreement. 

For more information, contact the K-12 Accelerated District Team:

• Tara Baruch, M, Ed - Manager, Secondary ELA, AVID, Johnson Scholar, & Accelerated
  Learning
  (561) 434-8638
  taramarie.baruch@palmbeachschools.org
• Tracy Roiger, M.Ed. - K-12 Accelerated Program Planner
  (561) 969-5856
  tracy.roiger@palmbeachschools.org
• Rob Kirk, M.Sc. - AP/AICE Instructional Specialist
  (561) 357-1167
  Robert.kirk@palmbeachschools.org