CYPRESS BAY HIGH SCHOOL
ADVANCED INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (AICE) DIPLOMA
The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma program is
administered and assessed by the University of Cambridge Internal Examinations (CIE), a
not-for-profit department of the world-renowned University of Cambridge in the UK. CIE
offers a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications in more than 160 countries.
AICE is an international pre-university curriculum and examination system, which
emphasizes the value of broad and encouraging in-depth, working knowledge of each
subject, and essay-based examinations of knowledge and skill mastery. AICE courses are
equivalent to those offered at U.S. university freshman level or beyond.
The AICE program was piloted and studied by the Florida Department of Education for four
years in three Florida school districts and since 2001 has been approved for use in any
Florida school district.
AICE FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the benefits of AICE?
AICE not only prepares students to get into a university with up to 30 hours of college
credit, but it also provides them with the skills required to be successful once there.
2. What do I have to do to earn an AICE Diploma?
Students must pass six credits worth of examinations. At least one examination must
come from each of the three subject groups: Mathematics & Sciences, Languages, and
Arts & Humanities. Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level exams count for one credit and
Advance (A) Level exams count for two credits.
3. What is the difference between an AS and an A Level exam?
Advanced (A) Level syllabuses and exams cover approximately two years of collegelevel curriculum in a subject. The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level syllabus and exam
covers the first year of the two-year Advanced (A) Level curriculum. An AS Level exam
counts for one credit towards the AICE Diploma. The A Level exam counts for two
credits.
4. Do students have to earn the full AICE Diploma in order to earn college credits?
No. Students received 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.
5. How do AICE examination grades compare with the US grading scale?
Passing grades available on AICE exams range from A to E with A being the highest.
Performance of students below the threshold of a CIE grade of E receives a grade of U,
ungraded, which is not considered as passing.
6. Do many universities give college credits for AICE exams passed?
Yes. CIE publishes a list on their website (go to www.cie.org.uk and follow links under
“Recognition” tab to “International A/AS Levels” link then select the “A/AS Level
Source: Cambridge International Examinations website (http://www.cie.org.uk/)
Recognition Handbook” link) of US universities that have provided written statements
of their AICE (which includes AS and A Levels) recognition policy. If a university
admissions counselor is unfamiliar with AICE, we suggest you ask to speak to the
international applications counselor and ask about their policy. All public universities
and community colleges in Florida award up to 30 hours of college credit for AICE
exams passed.
7. Does AICE help students qualify for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships?
Yes. Students who have earned an AICE Diploma and completed 75-hour community
service program automatically qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars Award from
the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Students who complete the AICE
curriculum with best composite score of 1270 SAT or 28 ACT and 75 hours of
community service will also receive the Florida Academic Scholars Award. Students who
have completed the AICE curriculum with best composite score of 970 SAT or 20 ACT
will receive the Florida Medallion Scholars Award from the Florida Bright Futures
Scholarship Program.
Why choose AICE General Paper?
Cambridge International AS Level General Paper is accepted by universities and employers as
proof of understanding and ability to communicate in English. The syllabus is multi-disciplinary,
with subject matter drawn from across the curriculum. In broad terms, the syllabus encourages
students to:
1. Be more aware of the breadth and complexity of the contemporary world.
2. Develop thinking and reasoning skills, and maturity of thought.
3. Achieve an understanding of (and ability in) the English language, which enables them
to express arguments, ideas and opinions in a reflective and academic manner.
Although an awareness of the wider implications of particular issues will improve the quality of
students’ learning, the AS Level General Paper is not a test of general knowledge.
Gifted/Honors Distinction
The Gifted class will be taught by Gifted Educators who have been trained to service gifted
students' needs and learning styles; gifted strategies will be infused and the pace will be different;
independent study and differentiation will be addressed.
The Honor's student will apply advanced writing skills and will explore complex issues for
discussion, debate, and writing that are inclusive in the 9th grade curriculum. Both courses
employ A.P. strategies. The use of Gifted strategies is main differentiation between courses.
Source: Cambridge International Examinations website (http://www.cie.org.uk/)