Frequently Asked Questions about the Cambridge Program
1. What is the difference between IGCSE, AS, and A Level courses and exams?
Courses in the Cambridge Program are offered at two levels: Cambridge Secondary and Cambridge Advanced. Students enrolled in courses at the Cambridge Secondary level are learning content in courses and taking examinations aligned to the International General Certification of Secondary Education (IGCSE) standards. These courses lay the foundation for courses in the Cambridge Advanced Level of study. While students may earn content level IGCSE certificates, students will not earn an IGCSE diploma as our focus is the AICE diploma. Students will complete coursework aligned to IGCSE standards and may sit for examinations in World Languages. Students enrolled in Cambridge Advanced level courses are working to complete coursework and sit for examinations aligned to the AS- and/or A-level standards. Advanced Level or A-level standards cover approximately two years of college-level curriculum in a subject. The Advanced Subsidiary Level or AS-level standards cover the first year of the two-year Advanced (A) Level curriculum.
2. What is AICE?
The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is an international diploma awarded by Cambridge Assessment International Education, a branch of the University of Cambridge in England, to students who earn the necessary credits. Students can earn the AICE diploma by taking classes aligned to Cambridge Assessment International Education's advanced academic syllabi and sitting for the assessments. The Cambridge Program at Potomac High School, a registered Cambridge International Center, offers courses needed to earn the AICE diploma in grades 9 - 12. In some subjects, students will take courses during grades 9 and 10 aligned to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in order to prepare for classes aligned to the AICE international diploma. Classes aligned to the IGCSE are suitable for students who are looking for a higher level of learning in that subject area. The IGCSE and AICE programs together are referred to in some areas of the United States as "The Cambridge Program."
3. What are the benefits of AICE?
Students who earn an AICE diploma, in any country, have demonstrated their knowledge of the rigorous Cambridge International's standards. All students, regardless of country of origin, are demonstrating their knowledge of the same standards by taking the same tests. The standards utilized by courses within the AICE framework provide the rigorous academic experience required for admittance to competitive universities and the critical thinking skills needed to be successful in this environment. A study conducted by the Director of Admissions found that AICE program graduates attending the University of Florida had an average end-of-freshman year GPA of 3.46 whereas students coming from other acceleration mechanisms such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) had an average GPA of 3.12 and 3.10 respectively. Cambridge International qualifications (examination scores) are recognized and accepted by over 500 universities in the United States, including all Ivy League universities, MIT and Stanford.
4. What do I have to do to earn an AICE Diploma?
Students must earn seven credits in a three-year period. Credits are earned by passing examinations administered at the end of each course. At least one examination must come from each of the four subject groups: Mathematics & Sciences, Languages, Arts & Humanities, and Global Perspectives. An AS Level exam counts for one credit towards the AICE Diploma; the A Level exam counts for two credits.
5. Do students need to earn the full AICE Diploma in order to earn college credits? No. Students receive a General Certificate of Education (GCE) for passing AS- and A- Level subject examinations. Colleges and universities award credit on a subject-by-subject basis according to the grades earned on individual examinations.
6. How do AICE examination grades compare with the US grading scale?
Passing grades available on A-Level exams range from A* to E with A* being the highest. Students who do not demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills on these examinations earn a grade of U (not passing/not meeting standard). The highest grade possible on AS-Level examinations is an A. A grade of A* may not be earned on these examinations. A Department of Education AICE program study found that a CIE grade of E most closely correlated with an Advanced Placement exam grade of 3 and a United States grade of C.
7. How will enrolling in Cambridge classes affect my GPA?
Cambridge courses are designed for students who desire an academic challenge beyond what is found in a comprehensive high school. A student's grade is determined by how well he/she meets the international standards for each course. Students enrolled in Cambridge classes will earn grades on the United States grading system. Most AICE courses carry a weighted grade on a 5.0 scale.
8. Do colleges and universities give credits for the AICE examinations students pass?
Yes. Cambridge International publishes a list of universities that have stated policies on recognizing AICE examination scores. Access the list of colleges and universities here and enter your search criteria. Admissions officers of respected universities throughout the United States offer their perspectives on the AICE diploma as well as the CIE standards in this video
9. What costs are associated with the Cambridge Program?
Students are required to take the Cambridge examinations associated with their courses. Prince William County Public Schools pays fees for the examinations in each level.
10. Do Cambridge students have time in their days to include extra-curricular activities?
Our Cambridge students are actively involved at Potomac High School. Many students participate in sports, band, orchestra, choir, and drama. Some of the clubs that students join are Honor Society, DECA, Robotics, SCA, Key Club, Anime Club, Speech/Debate, etc. Students learn the art of time management by balancing their academic requirements with their activity schedule.
11. Does the school district provide transportation for Cambridge students who do not live in the Bethel High School attendance area?
Yes. Transportation to Potomac High School is provided via a satellite bus stop.
12. Where can I find more information regarding the Cambridge AICE Program?
The Cambridge Assessment International Education website has extensive information regarding syllabi, sample examinations, and university recognition. The website is: www.cambridgeinternational.org. Select Cambridge for Parents and Students.
13. If I still have questions after reading through this information, who can I contact?
Please feel free to contact Mr. MacDonald at [email protected]