Spotlight On Education
Four Mandarin Students Earn
Prestigious A.I.C.E. Diplomas
First Ever in Duval County Public Schools for University
of Cambridge Program
Four 2007 graduates of
Mandarin High School earned the prestigious AICE or
Advanced International Certificate in Education diploma,
a first for Duval County Public Schools. The
distinguished students are Maureen Connelly, Thomas
McElhinney, Nnenna Theresa Opara, and Lindsay
Schwieterman.
The AICE program is administered
through the University of Cambridge, a world-renowned
university in Cambridge, England. Acceptance to the
program was based on student’s performance and other
indicators of academic excellence. After completing the
Pre-AICE program in grades 9 and 10 taking honors,
Advanced Placement and pre-AICE courses, these students
had to complete an extensive application process that
included an essay and detailed information about their
academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
The Cambridge curriculum aims to
encourage the skills of independent research and
investigation, the use of initiative and creativity, and
the application of knowledge and skills. Emphasis is
placed on the use of externally marked examination
papers by the University of Cambridge International
Examinations (CIE) and on compulsory practical work
where appropriate.
The AICE diploma is an
international, secondary education diploma that
signifies the successful completion of the AICE
curriculum. In order to earn the AICE diploma a student
must pass six international examinations spread across
three areas — Math and Science, Languages and Arts, and
Humanities. Students must pass at least one examination
from each area and a total of six to earn the diploma.
Like Advanced Placement courses, students may earn
college credit for each examination passed. Also, in
addition to advanced standing in the admissions process
to many colleges, the AICE Diploma guarantees an
automatic 100% Bright Futures Scholarship award.
“As the first AICE Diploma
recipients in Duval County, these students distinguished
themselves on an international level and set the bar for
superior achievement in one of the most prestigious
academic programs in the world,” said DCPS
Superintendent Joseph Wise, “Their performance reflects
Duval County's and Mandarin High School's commitment to
academic rigor and high student achievement.”
Mandarin is one of two DCPS high
schools offering the Cambridge program. At William
Raines High School, 42 juniors are enrolled in the
challenges of the AICE program with first graduates
expected in June 2009. |
