IB SEHS IA (2026 syllabus) Examples

Criterion B: Data analysis (6 marks)

Assesses how you recorded, processed and presented data relevant to the research question.

Band descriptors:

• 5–6 marks
  • Data recording and processing both clear and precise.
  • Appropriate consideration of uncertainties (instrument resolution, spreads, limitations).
  • Data processing accurate and relevant to the research question.
• 3–4 marks
  • Communication of recording/processing is either clear or precise (but not both).
  • Some consideration of uncertainties.
  • Some omissions or inaccuracies in processing.
• 1–2 marks
  • Recording/processing neither clear nor precise.
  • Limited consideration of uncertainties.
  • Major omissions in processing.

What you should include:

• Raw data tables with headings, units (SI), and uncertainties where relevant.
• Processed data (means, standard deviation, effect sizes, correlations, etc.).
• Graphs with labelled axes, units, error bars where appropriate.
• Clear statement and justification of any statistical tests used.

Criterion C: Conclusion (6 marks)

Assesses how well you answer the research question in light of your analysis and the accepted scientific context.

Band descriptors:

• 5–6 marks
  • Conclusion justified and fully consistent with the analysis.
  • Relevant comparison to accepted sports/exercise/health science literature.
  • Practical implications clearly explained.
• 3–4 marks
  • Conclusion described and relevant but not fully consistent with the analysis.
  • Some comparison to scientific context.
  • Practical implications outlined but not fully developed.
• 1–2 marks
  • Conclusion stated but unsupported by the analysis.
  • Superficial comparison to scientific literature.
  • Practical implications only stated.

What you should include:

• Direct answer to the research question, referencing key data trends.
• Explicit link between statistics/graphs and claims you make.
• Comparison of your findings with published SEHS studies or textbook values.
• Discussion of practical applications (training, performance, injury prevention, health).

Criterion D: Evaluation (6 marks)

Assesses the evaluation of methodology and suggested improvements.

Band descriptors:

• 5–6 marks
  • Relative impact of specific methodological weaknesses explained.
  • Realistic improvements explained — clearly tied to the identified weaknesses.
• 3–4 marks
  • Specific methodological weaknesses described (rather than explained).
  • Realistic improvements described and relevant to the identified weaknesses.
• 1–2 marks
  • Generic methodological weaknesses or limitations stated (not specific to this investigation).
  • Realistic improvements stated only.

What you should include:

• Identify specific weaknesses in your methodology (participant variability, equipment calibration, sample size, environmental controls).
• Explain how each weakness impacts the results — does it bias the data, reduce precision, or limit the scope?
• Suggest realistic, specific improvements — not vague generalities ("more participants") but concrete fixes ("sample 30 trained athletes from the same age range").
• Where relevant, suggest extensions for further investigation (different sport, different age group, longer time series).

Notes on grade boundaries

The IB has not yet published grade boundaries for the new (2026) SEHS syllabus — first assessment is May 2026 and boundaries are released alongside results in July. Until then, the 24-mark IA total is the most reliable signal; use the band descriptors above to interpret each criterion.

• French B
• Geography
• German A
• German A Lit
• German ab initio
• German B
• Global Politics
• History
• History (First Exam 2028)
• Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA)
• Mathematics Applications & Interpretation (AI)

• Philosophy
• Physics
• Psychology
• Psychology (First Exam 2027)
• Spanish A
• Spanish A Lit
• Spanish ab initio
• Spanish B
• Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS)
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• World Religions

• MYP English Lang & Lit
• MYP Extended Mathematics
• MYP History

• MYP Individuals & Societies
• MYP Integrated Sciences
• MYP Physics

• MYP Standard Mathematics

Subject specific rubrics

View your feedback in the context of the subject rubric and broken down by criteria strands.