WHILE the furore over A'Levels continues, Malvern College is emerging as a shining beacon to Government ministers looking for an alternative to the traditional post-16 examination.

Like hundreds of other schools and colleges, Malvern is waiting to hear if any of its pupils have been affected by the remarking of papers.

Regrading is taking place in EdExcel's French and Spanish, and OCR's geography, PE, physics, RE and English literature.

At A'Level, 38 pupils had taken the subjects affected, six of whom took two subjects. At AS level, 35 candidates are involved. But even with the uncertainty, the college's director of studies Frank Harris said most of the results were roughly as expected.

The college is, however, set apart by the fact that 72 of its 138 graduates gained success this year with International Baccalaureates - a qualification that is becoming revered for its fair, broad and intelligent approach to education.

With confidence collapsing in A'Levels, a British baccalaureate has been mooted by Education Secretary Estelle Morris as an A'Level alternative.

Ten years ago Malvern College also thought the IB a good alternative when it was introduced for six formers. The two-year qualification involves three higher level subjects, three lower level subjects, a 4,000 word essay and participation in artistic, sporty and community service pursuits as well as critical thinking.

Headmaster Hugh Carson has recently appeared on national television and radio discussing the International Baccalaureate's pros and cons.

"The IB is wonderful but not everybody can do it," he said this week. "We have people who get four A's in A'Levels who would not do so well in the IB. Having the choice allows the students to play to their strengths.

"The point is that the IB is great if you can cope with breadth. It's also great if you have got a weakness - it forces you to address it - and if you are trying to get into university you need to play to your strengths."

With many Malvern College graduates being accepted into their first choice universities, the involvement of teachers in finding the most productive path for their pupils within either of the two systems seems to be working.

Reports in a national newspaper last Sunday suggested, however, that high achieving pupils from some private schools have been rejected from first choice universities in favour of increasing numbers of state educated school leavers with lesser marks.

Mr Carson accepted the political agenda was a positive one and said there was still plenty of scope for independent school graduates if people knew where to look.