Juanita High School has been approved by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), part of the University of Cambridge, as a Cambridge International Center to offer a program of study for the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). The AICE program involves the selection of subjects from three interdisciplinary curriculum areas – math and science; languages; and arts and humanities — in preparation for earning an internationally recognized credential equivalent to the British A levels. Juanita will be the second high school on the West Coast to offer the Cambridge AICE program, after Federal Way High School.
To be accepted as a Cambridge International Center, Juanita High School went through a rigorous application process and an in-person site review. “Our acceptance validates the good work on raising student achievement that we have accomplished as a school in recent years,” noted Principal Gary Moed. “We’re very proud to have been designated as the newest Cambridge Center.”
Cambridge courses emphasize higher order thinking skills, oral skills, writing skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork and investigative skills. Cambridge students are expected to have high academic expectations, be self-motivated, and have good study habits.
“This program extends the work we have been doing at Juanita over the last five years on critical thinking and problem solving,” noted Moed. “It’s a remarkable opportunity for students who are looking to begin college level work in high school.”
“Bringing the Cambridge program to Juanita High is part of our overall district effort to ensure all students are challenged,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “It will complement the already vigorous Advanced Placement offerings at Juanita High School and other district schools.”
At the end of ninth and tenth grade, students in the Cambridge program will be able to take IGCSE content area exams en route to earning an IGCSE certificate at the end of 10th grade. The IGCSE has replaced the British O level exams.
At the end of the student’s senior year, they can take the Cambridge AICE exams, which are the equivalent of the British A level exams. Many colleges and universities award students advanced standing and academic credit for having passed Cambridge AICE examinations.
As a newly approved Cambridge International Center, Juanita High School will begin the program next fall (September 2010) with one class of 30 ninth grade students, who will take five Cambridge courses and one elective. In September 2011, those students will continue in the Cambridge program in the 10th grade, while a new class of ninth graders is added. These groups of students will continue to move through the system until Juanita offers the program in each grade from ninth through 12th. Depending on demand, additional classes may be added in each grade level in future years.
“We are excited about bringing ninth graders into our school,” said Moed. “We are now making plans to integrate this new grade level and anticipate their needs so that a smooth transition can occur.”
Current eighth graders who reside within the Juanita High School attendance boundary are encouraged to apply for the program for next fall. Students must be prepared to take Spanish 2 and Algebra 2 in ninth grade and be committed to taking a rigorous course of study. Residents of the Juanita High School enrollment area will receive first priority for the program. A total of 30-32 spaces are available. If more students apply than spaces available in the class, a lottery will be held to fill the class. While priority will be given to students who reside within the Juanita High School enrollment area, should space be available, students from other areas of the district will also be given consideration.
There will be an information session on the Cambridge program on April 7 in conjunction with the school’s annual eighth grade parent night. That program helps parents understand the course requirements in high school that will prepare students for college. It will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Cambridge information session will be held at 7 p.m. Information and applications will be available at that time. The application deadline is April 30.
For more information on the Cambridge CIE, the Cambridge program and the AICE exams, go to http://www.cie.org.uk/.
Juanita High School, located in the Juanita area of Kirkland, Wash., serves over 1000 students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in grades ten through 12. Academic rigor in all classes, including honors and advanced placement, critical thinking and a college-ready transcript upon graduation are expectations for all students. The tradition of JHS is based on a strong sense of community, acceptance of individual differences and nurturing the innovative spirit.
