Specialty Programs

Cambridge

Cambridge Specialty Program

The Cambridge Programme offers an international, pre-university curriculum and examination system that emphasizes the value of a broad and balanced education for academically able students. The Cambridge curriculum encourages the development of oral and practical skills, an investigative approach, the use of initiative to solve problems, the application of skills, knowledge, and understanding, and the ability to undertake individual projects and work as part of a team. A range of assessment tools are used. Emphasis is placed on the use of externally marked examination papers by the University of Cambridge International Examinations and on compulsory practical work where appropriate. An important principle of this examination system is that students are rewarded for positive achievement – what they know, understand, and can do – rather than being penalized for an accumulation of errors.

Cambridge Program Requirements

The International General Certificate of Secondary (IGCSE) is a two-year curriculum that provides strong preparation for higher-level courses. These courses are generally appropriate for grade 9 and 10 students. For most IGCSE courses, students must sit for external examinations administered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations. Upon successful completion, students will receive individual subject certificates.

The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma is a two-year curriculum designed to build on IGCSE qualifications that may lead to college credit(s). These courses are appropriate for grade 11 and 12 students. The AICE course of study aims to provide a broad and international pre-university curriculum, equip students to cope successfully with the demands of higher education, provide a professional assessment of student performance on internationally recognized standards of achievement, increase appreciation of world cultures, and create positive learning experiences for students. AICE subjects can be taken in two ways: as individual subject examinations or as qualifications towards the AICE Diploma.

The AICE Diploma requires a minimum of seven AICE courses to include AS Level Global Perspectives and Research. Learners may select courses from subject Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 to be awarded the AICE Diploma. Learners must achieve at least one credit from each of Groups 1, 2, and 3. A maximum of two credits may be gained from Group 4. Students who meet the requirements of this group award will receive an AICE Diploma at one of three levels: Pass, Merit or Distinction.

All AICE courses require students to sit for external examinations administered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations.

Program Information

Program Type

Transfer

Students participating in this program will transfer to the program location for all courses and activities. Express Bus Transportation is available to accepted students living outside the program location boundaries through Specialty Program Transportation.

Schools
Brentsville District High School,
Potomac High School

Cambridge Program Sequencing for Cambridge Certificate

Students who participate in the Cambridge program must take at least one Cambridge course each year. Students may choose from any available Cambridge course and should work with their counselor to select courses.

Grades 9 - 12

Cambridge Programme English
Cambridge Programme Math
Cambridge Programme Music
Cambridge Programme Science
Cambridge Programme Social Studies
Cambridge Programme Visual Arts
Cambridge Programme World Language

Cambridge Program Sequencing for AICE Diploma

To earn the AICE Diploma, students must have a qualifying score from Global Perspectives along with six additional tests. At least one credit must come from each of the groups below. A maximum of two credits can count from Group 4. Students must also take AICE World History and AICE Global Perspectives.

Course Groups

Group 1: Math & Science

AICE Biology (AS Level)
AICE Biology (A Level)
AICE Mathematics 1 (AS Level)
AICE Mathematics 2 (A Level)
AICE Physics (AS Level)
AICE Physics (A Level)
AICE Environmental Management (AS Level)
AICE Psychology

Group 2: Languages

AICE English Language and Composition (AS)
AICE French 4 (AS)
AICE Spanish 4 (AS)

Group 3: Arts & Humanities

AICE English Literature (AS)
AICE U.S. History (AS)
AICE Economics (AS - A Level)
                
AICE Psychology
AICE Art and Design
AICE Sociology
AICE Classical Studies

Group 4: Interdisciplinary Subjects

AICE English General Paper (AS Level)
AICE Thinking Skills (AS Level)
AICE Thinking Skills (A Level)