Students, on this page you will find key information that will hopefully answer some of your questions about our Cambridge program here at Aiken High School.

What are the primary differences between AICE courses and AP courses?

The reality is that both programs are going to prepare your child for college coursework, while offering them the opportunity to earn college credit (saving time and money) before attending classes on campus. AICE includes a full curriculum that encourages students to matriculate through a variety of course/syllabi in order to obtain a program diploma. AP, while currently the most widely recognized in the U.S. does not have a curriculum. AP examinations contain multiple-choice items whereas AICE examination are comprised of high order questions where students have to compose written responses. AICE allows candidates to take college credit courses during all four years of their high school career and offers a level of flexibility not available in the other programs when students are registering for classes. Cambridge releases previous assessment items from past examination series to help teachers familiarize students with exam requirements, command words in questions, and how to answer questions that meet the assessment objectives. Cambridge International A Level assessments are graded from A* to E. Cambridge International AS Level assessments are graded A to E. An A* - C on a Cambridge International Assessment is comparable to that of a 4 and above on an AP exam. Scores D – E on a Cambridge International Assessment is comparable to a 3 on an AP exam.                                                                                                                                             

Do ALL Colleges Accept AICE Credits?

More than 450 colleges and universities nationwide accept AICE credits, including the Ivy and Ivy plus institutions as well as some in-state public institutions. Of course, some schools, especially private schools, will determine which credits they accept and what courses they will be accepted for. See the link below for more information on college recognition:

http://recognition.cambridgeinternational.org/

What is the difference between an AS Level course and an A Level course?

This is a common question- most colleges and universities both nationally and globally refer to the Cambridge AICE Program as AS and A levels. A Cambridge International AS level course is designed to be one year of study culminating with the examination in May/June and will earn one credit toward the AICE Diploma. Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course (AS/A Level) and counts as two credits toward the AICE Diploma. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level.

What are the benefits of earning an AICE Diploma?

• International and Collegiate Recognition -Cambridge is widely accepted among US colleges and universities through the international admissions departments.

• Prestigious Diploma in addition to S.C. High School Diploma

• Offers well-balanced curriculum, high academic standards, practical real world applications and international perspectives.

• Emphasize the development of higher order thinking, including problem solving and creativity.

• Flexible curriculum that can be tailored to the abilities, interest and plans of students.

• Exposure to an International Curriculum of what students are learning around the world.

• Direct preparation for College Coursework

• Earn College Credit with possibility of entering college as sophomore or junior.

• Marketable with increased Scholarship Opportunities

How many credits do I need to earn an AICE Diploma?

Candidates must earn seven total credits in AICE Courses in order to earn the AICE Diploma. One credit must come from each of the three categories (Math/Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Languages) and an additional three credits can come from whatever category the candidate chooses as well as Interdisciplinary Skills Based Courses category. The final required credit must be acquired by successfully completing AICE Global Perspectives & Research.

How do I earn an AICE credit?
When a candidate attends and passes the AICE Examination for that course, the student earns a credit toward the AICE Diploma. Cambridge International A Level subjects are graded from A* to E. Cambridge International AS Level subjects are graded A to E. The Cambridge AICE Diploma is awarded on a points system, so each grade is converted to a number of points. When a student takes the exam in the May/June Series the results are typically returned in early to mid August.

What if I do not pass an AICE examination? Do I lose ALL credit?

If you do not pass an AICE Examination it does not affect the credit you receive for passing the course. Therefore you will receive the necessary credit toward your South Carolina High School Diploma. However you will not have earned a credit toward the AICE Diploma. Candidates are allowed to retake an AICE Examination the following school term one time after previously failing an exam. 

When do students take AICE examinations?

AICE examinations are offered twice during the course of the school year. The majority of students will take examinations during the May/June Session. Please note, AICE offers examinations in the October/November, which is typically reserved for candidates who wish to retake an exam from the previous spring administration. Candidates are NOT automatically registered for the October/November exams, but must meet with AICE Coordinator and request the test.

What if I miss an AICE examination?

There is no makeup examination within the same testing session; therefore the candidate would need to retake the test the following session in the next school year.  In this case the candidate must incur the cost of examination  as well as the cost of shipping of the exam for the course needing makeup. The exam prices vary by year as do shipping costs .  The following are examples of cost without the cost of shipping: Cambridge International AS and A Level Components ($110.06 per subject), Cambridge International A Level Components ($178.01), Cambridge Inernational AS Global Perspectives and Research Component ($193.00)

What specific courses are tied to the AICE diploma?

Courses tied to the AICE Diploma range from a variety of categories, with Cambridge offering over 55 subjects. At Aiken High we currently offer fifteen AICE courses and are continually in the process of expanding our course options over the next year.

Can students opt out of receiving the Cambridge Diploma?

Students may opt out of receiving the Cambridge AICE Diploma; however, we strongly encourage all our students to apply and complete the requirements to earn an AICE Diploma. Students receive General Certificate of Education (GCE) subject certificates for AS and A Level examinations passed. College/Universities award credit on a subject–by-subject basis according to grades earned on individual examinations passed.