IB Sports, exercise and health science

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th June 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x grade 4-9 including Maths & English at G5

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

IBCP students will take a minimum of three courses of study. All of these will be Level 3 courses (A/AS Level equivalent). The courses will be a combination of vocational BTEC qualification (equivalent to up to 3 A Levels, approximately 10 hours of study per week) and 2 IB subjects (approx. AS level each and studied for 5 hours a fortnight). If you select this subject you must also select one BTEC in your application and one other IB subject.

The IB DP course in sports, exercise and health science standard level (SL) involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance. The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of topics and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyse human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimensions and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual in a global context.

The course is assessed through a combination of externally assessed examinations (worth 76%) and an internal investigation (worth 24%).

Externally assessed components:

Paper 1- 30 multiple choice questions on the core syllabus. It is 45 minutes long and worth 20%

Paper 2- A: Students answer one data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core. B: Students answer one of three extended-response question on the core. It is 1 hour and 25 minutes long and work 32%.

Paper 3 - Several short-answer questions (all compulsory) in each of the two options studied. It is 1 hour and worth 24%.

Internal investigation

A mixture of short- and long-term investigations.

For entry into King Ethelbert School Sixth Form all students must attain 5 grades between Grade 9 and Grade 4 (or equivalent) with a Grade 5 in both English Language and Mathematics. A pass qualification in Level 2 (GCSE or BTEC) sport is preferable.