Cambridge Program

🎓 Cambridge Program

The Cambridge International Program is an internationally recognized, rigorous curriculum that strategically prepares students for success in college and life after high school. Sponsored by Cambridge University in England, the program provides a solid foundation for achieving high levels of academic and personal attainment. Cambridge qualifications are recognized globally by leading universities and employers as evidence of academic ability, helping our learners become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged.

🔑 What Makes This Program Unique?

The Cambridge Program at Pines Collegiate Academy 6-12 distinguishes itself from other magnet or choice options by strictly adhering to the curriculum of Cambridge University, while also enriching the Broward County curriculum and the Florida Standards.

Crucially, students who successfully complete the high school AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Diploma requirements, including AICE courses and service hours, are automatically eligible to receive the full Bright Futures Scholarship, irrespective of their SAT or ACT scores. This is a powerful, direct path to scholarship funding.

✅ What Are the Advantages of This Program?

The Cambridge Program is designed to foster well-rounded, globally-minded students, offering numerous academic and personal benefits:

Advanced Courses and the opportunity to earn up to 6 High School Credits.
Development of the Whole Child through the growth of character, abilities, and Service Learning.
Exposure to Global Concepts and collaboration with Motivated Peers.
Well-rounded, high-level preparation for the High School AICE Diploma Program.

❓ Cambridge FAQs

What is the Cambridge Program?

The Cambridge Program is an internationally recognized course of study for academically talented and motivated students. It is referred to as Cambridge – Secondary I at the middle school level and AICE at the high school level. The program is designed to encourage students to reflect on their learning and develop habits—such as being confident, innovative, resourceful, and responsible—that lay the foundations for productive study and employment.

What is the focus of the Cambridge program at Pines Collegiate Academy 6-12?

The focus of the Cambridge courses is to assist students in becoming productive contributors to society. At PCA 6-12, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of respect and academic excellence by treating students and faculty like a family. We continuously relate topics taught in class to global and social events, with students participating in many group and team projects centered on these worldwide themes.

What courses are included in the Cambridge program?

The Cambridge program will be administered primarily through our English courses, with the scope expanding annually. We implement Cambridge Lower Secondary English (1111), which promotes an inquiry-based approach to develop first language competency. The curriculum framework covers knowledge, skills, and understanding in the three essential strands: Reading, Writing, and Speaking and Listening. This course ensures smooth progression to Cambridge Upper Secondary subjects.

What is the difference between the Cambridge program and the Gifted program at P.C.A. 6-12?

The Cambridge program adheres to the Cambridge University curriculum standards, while the Gifted program enriches the Broward County curriculum with additional resources and strategies for Gifted Learners. Students identified as Gifted who transfer into the Cambridge Program will still be considered Gifted by the district, and their education plan (EP) will be followed. These students will be placed in Cambridge classes that contain both Gifted and High Achieving students.

If I join Cambridge, do I have to stay with the program my entire tenure at P.C.A. 6-12?

No. While we recommend that every student complete at least three years, students may transfer in or out of the program at the end of the academic year based on availability and individual review. Please note that P.C.A. 6-12 reserves the right to remove a student from the program due to academic, behavior, or attendance concerns.

How does Cambridge relate to the Bright Futures Scholarship?

As noted above, successfully completing the AICE Diploma requirements (AICE courses and service hours) in high school makes students automatically eligible for the full Bright Futures Scholarship regardless of their SAT or ACT scores. Beyond this scholarship, the AICE diploma is recognized internationally by hundreds of top colleges and universities.