Sports, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS) in Term 1

Sports, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS) is a fascinating field driven by curiosity about what makes humankind flourish, both physically and mentally. This multidisciplinary science formally studies the impacts of physiology, biomechanics, and psychology on human health and athletic performance.

Like other Diploma Programme (DP) Sciences, SEHS is an experimental science that blends academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigative skills. Students engage in practical experimental investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This hands-on approach helps them acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles to critically analyse human health and sporting endeavours.

Three Key Themes

The SEHS course is structured around three key themes: “Exercise Physiology and Nutrition of the Human Body,” “Biomechanics,” and “Sports Psychology and Motor Learning.” Each theme is explored through the dual lenses of health and performance, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these factors influence athletic success and overall well-being.

• Exercise Physiology and Nutrition of the Human Body: This theme delves into how the body’s systems respond to physical activity and the role of nutrition in optimizing performance and health.
• Biomechanics: Students study the mechanical principles that govern human movement, enhancing their understanding of how to improve efficiency and reduce injury risk.
• Sports Psychology and Motor Learning: This theme explores the mental aspects of sports, including motivation, focus, and the processes involved in learning and refining motor skills.

This term students explored the structure and function of the human skeleton, delving into the differences between the axial and appendicular components and their roles in stability and movement. They also covered the fascinating world of connective tissues and joints, highlighting how their structures enable efficient and effective movement.

In addition, students were exposed to the concept of levers, both within and outside the human body, explaining how movements are created and optimized. Students examined the interplay between genetic traits and environmental influences in shaping personality, providing insights into individual differences in behaviour and athletic performance.

In the last two weeks, they delved into the critical roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in coordinating the body’s responses to internal and external stimuli, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how our bodies maintain balance and function, and how this helps athletic performance for both males and females.

Upcoming Internal Assessment

Next term, students will undertake an Internal Assessment (IA) focusing on blood pressure and the effects of static and dynamic exercise on it. They will be collecting and interpreting data on how different types of exercise influence blood pressure. This hands-on project will not only deepen their understanding of cardiovascular responses to exercise but also enhance their research and analytical skills.

Through these themes and assessments, SEHS students will gain a holistic view of the factors that contribute to human health and athletic performance, preparing them for further study and careers in sports science, health, and related fields.

– Andrew Simos
Heads of House Coordinator, IB Sports Science Consultant and Elite Athlete’s Mentor