IB SEHS A2.3: Energy Systems Teaching Notes & Revision Guide 2026

A Helpful Resource for Teaching Energy Systems in IB SEHS

This resource covers A2.3 Energy Systems from the IB Diploma Programme Sports, Exercise and Health Science course. It is designed to serve two purposes: as supplemental companion notes for instructors and as structured revision material for students.

What Makes This Resource Useful for SEHS Teachers

Follows the Subject Guide Directly
The content is structured in alignment with the IB SEHS subject guide, ensuring that all required assessment statements related to energy systems are addressed in sequence. Teachers can follow the progression from the biochemical basis of ATP production to the integrated interaction of the ATP-PC, anaerobic glycolysis, and aerobic systems, ensuring thorough syllabus coverage.

Helpful for New Teachers
If you are new to teaching IB SEHS, this resource provides clear and practical explanations of how the body produces and utilises energy during different types of physical activity. It explains system characteristics, rates of energy production, fuel preferences, timeframes of activation, and sport-specific demands. Examples and diagrams support lesson delivery and learner comprehension.

Designed for Dual Use
This resource serves as both a reference for instructors and a revision guide for students. Teachers can use it as structured companion notes, while students can use the same material for independent review and exam preparation.

Editable PowerPoint Version Included

In addition to the printable PDF version, this resource includes an editable PowerPoint presentation that mirrors the full content. Teachers can adapt slides, embed diagrams and videos, and tailor lessons for different learning environments. This makes the resource flexible for classroom teaching, blended learning, and digital delivery.

Content Included

• Introduction to energy systems and purpose in exercise
• ATP structure and role in muscle contraction
• ATP-PC system: characteristics, fuel supply, duration, and examples
• Anaerobic glycolysis: breakdown of glucose, lactate formation, and performance implications
• Aerobic system: oxidative metabolism of carbohydrates and fats
• Comparisons of rate and yield across energy systems
• Crossover concept and fuel utilisation at varying intensities
• Recovery processes and removal of metabolic byproducts
• Sport-specific examples and applied scenarios
• Diagrams and structured summaries
• Key terminology for assessment preparation

The resource includes clear explanations, relevant sport and exercise examples, and structured summaries that connect physiological theory to practical performance contexts.

This is a straightforward and accessible resource for both teaching and revision; detailed enough to guide lesson delivery and balanced for students preparing confidently for IB SEHS assessments.