23 Sep ESS internal assessment
An Overview
The most important aspect of the environmental systems and societies course is hands-on work in the laboratory and/or out in the field. The syllabus not only directly requires the use of field techniques, but many components can only be covered effectively through this approach. Practical work in this subject is an opportunity to gain and develop skills and techniques beyond the requirements of the assessment model and should be fully integrated with the teaching of the course.
The individual investigation explores a focused ESS question through evidence and analysis. For the course first assessed in 2026, the maximum report word count is 3,000. Use the current official IB ESS guide, first assessment 2026 for inclusions, exclusions and the six criteria. Older advice specifying 1,750–2,250 words does not describe the current course.
The internal assessment investigation consists of:
• identifying an ESS issue and focusing on one of its specific aspects
• developing methodologies to generate data that are analyzed to produce knowledge and understanding of this focused aspect
• applying the outcomes of the focused investigation to provide understanding or solutions in the broader ESS context.
Your work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB. The performance in
internal assessment is marked against common assessment criteria, with a total mark out of 30.
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