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What are the benefits of Cambridge International Program and the AICE Diploma?

Cambridge advanced level courses are equivalent to those of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education)not only prepares students to enter a university with up to 45 hours of college credit, but it also provides students with the skills required to be successful once there. Students also have an opportunity to earn the AICE Diploma through the Cambridge advanced level courses offered at AHS. The AICE Diploma is an award for the completion of a specific number and type of classes that are recognized at many universities throughout the US. 

Colleges seek students who take academically challenging classes, and the IGSCE or pre-AICE and AICE courses at AHS offer students an opportunity to pursue a rigorous course of study. The AICE courses and their corresponding examinations are equivalent to first year college and university courses. Students earn college credit for each examination they pass. Students do not have to pursue the AICE Diploma in order to take AICE classes at AHS; any student who wants to work at the AICE level – even for one class – has the opportunity to do so. All AICE and IGSCE courses strictly follow a course syllabus that is designed by Cambridge University professors.

The best advantage of the AICE program is that students are given the flexibility to choose a course of study that best meets their abilities and interests. Students determine which courses they want to take and create a schedule of courses that are relevant to their future goals.

How do students earn an AICE Diploma?

To earn an AICE diploma, students must pass seven credits worth of AS or A Level examinations. At least one examination must come from each of the three subject groups: Mathematics & Sciences, Languages, and Arts & Humanities. One credit must come from the Global Perspectives and Research course.   

Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level courses are one-year classes. A passed examination for an AS-Level course counts for one credit toward an AICE diploma. Advanced (A) Level courses are two-year classes 9both the As and A Level classes). A passed examination for an A-Level counts for two credits toward an AICE diploma. Students can use 7 different AS-Level courses or use a mixture of AS-Level and A-Level courses to meet the requirements for the AICE Diploma. 

Do students have to earn the full AICE Diploma in order to earn college credits?

No. Students receive General Certificate of Education (GCE) subject certificates for AS and A Level examinations passed. Colleges award credit on a subject–by -subject basis according to grades earned on individual examinations passed.

Comparison of Cambridge and IB Programs 

• Equally rigorous academically 
• Both offer well-balanced curriculum, high academic standards, practical real world applications and international perspectives
• Both emphasize the development of higher order thinking, including problem solving and creativity

Cambridge emphasizes extremely flexible curriculum that can be tailored to the abilities, interest and plans of the students. Cambridge is widely accepted among US colleges and universities through the international admissions departments.

Do many universities give college credits for AICE exams passed?

Yes. CIE publishes a list on their website  (http://recognition.cie.org.uk/) of U.S. universities that have provided written statements of their AICE (which includes AS and A Levels) recognition policy.