By Jenet Krol

Staff writer

ROCKLEDGE - Students at Rockledge High have the option to tailor their own educations.

By participating in Advanced International Certificate of Education classes in the school's Cambridge Academy program, they can choose classes in subjects that they are skilled and have an interest in.

"A lot of my classes in the past have been very broad and (non)-specific. AICE classes are more enjoyable and I get to do what I like," said sophomore Rachel DeLoach.

"You learn a lot more that way," sophomore Kevin Hutchins agreed.

The program originated in the United Kingdom and the curriculum is set by the Cambridge based University of Cambridge.

The 30 teachers at the school who teach AICE classes are trained in programs run by Cambridge.

Florida and Virginia are the only states that have the program available in schools.

The program at Rockledge High was recently designated an International Fellowship Center. It is one of only 19 worldwide, and one of only five in the U.S.

The school had to show community involvement, student success, and have a high percentage of student involvement to be awarded the designation.

AICE coordinator Jo Curnock said the goal of the program is to prepare students for college.

Those who meet the requirements for an AICE diploma are guaranteed admission into any Florida college.

"This program is like helping (students) choose a major quite early on. We tailor it to each student's academic strengths, and guide them toward subjects they're good at," she said.

Each student must take a class in the subjects of math and science, arts and humanities and modern foreign languages. They get to choose the other classes for their coursework.

In addition to coursework, students must complete 75 community service hours.

Sophomore Candice Prince worked with Habitat for Humanity, while sophomore Evan Griffith volunteered at a hospital, and senior Tanner Lund organized and ran a blood drive.

Mrs. Curnock said the program is designed for students who are dedicated and highly motivated to succeed.

Most students agreed they enrolled in AICE classes because they wanted to be challenged.

"It's more thinking and less memorizing," Rachel said.

"You're better prepared for college," Tanner added.

While the students tackle challenging coursework, they all participate in extracurricular activities and feel they still have plenty of time for a social life.

"The kids enjoy the rigorous portion, but they can still have a social life. It's gotten the kids really fired up," said principal Tony Hines.

Sophomore Ryan Healy said he likes the small learning community.

"You get to make friends because you're with a lot of the same kids," he said. "There's a lot more teacher/student interaction."

Senior Emily Moore agreed.

"You're in with students who want to learn and that makes all the difference," she said.

Last year, six students graduated with the Cambridge diploma. This year, 35 students are working toward the diploma.

Mrs. Curnock said using a curriculum that is world-renowned prepares students for a world where they must be globally competitive, but they will always be her "little darlings."

"I'm so proud," she said with a smile.

For information, contact Mrs. Curnock at (321) 636-3711, Ext. 255.

Contact Jenet Krol at (321) 751-5958 or krol@hometownnewsol.com.