2. What is game sense?
Game sense is a new student centred approach to teaching physical
education which uses games as the focus of the session
This approach stresses on the game, rather than on techniques - players
play the game before practising skills that are necessary to playing the
game
Through this approach players are encouraged to become more
tactically aware and make better decisions and develop skills as they are
playing the game
3. Fundamental movement skills in Game Sense
Approach
• Static balance
• Vertical jump
• Dodge
• Side gallop
• Kick
• Skip
• Hop
• Leap
• Two hand strike
• Overarm throw
• Sprint run
• Catch
(NSW Department of Education and Training, 2000)
Fundamental Movement Skills
are the building blocks for
movement. They develop the
essential step towards
establishing a life-long
commitment to physical
activity.
(Spans, 2010).
4. Game Sense Categories
Target: Golf, curling, archery and darts
Net and wall: Tennis, volleyball, badminton
Striking: Cricket, baseball and softball
Invasion: Rugby, basketball, hockey
5. The strengths of Game Sense as a teaching approach
Game sense approach to teaching helps children to learn through reflecting upon their own
experiences which is more meaningful. This is in line with the rationale and aims of the PDHPE K-10
syllabus 2018 which emphasise on the students development of knowledge , understanding, and skills
that are important to their health and wellbeing.
The building of skills and enhancing performance is another focus of the syllabus. The research
suggests that the game sense approach allows students to build skills and enhance their performance
by encouraging them to think and talk with their peers to create new tactics and technics as they are
playing
Children have also developed self management skills. In this game sense approach the teacher does
not limit the children by telling them what to do, but rather, sets the learning environment and
facilitates them through problem solving, and decision making by asking them questions.
Finally, the PDHPE K-10 syllabus emphasises on building interpersonal skills and relationships. In
this approach it is proven that children have developed interpersonal skills and relationships while
working in teams and while developing their own strategies in the games
(Light, 2006)
6. The strengths of Game Sense continued…
This approach is very engaging and fun for the students because it
encourages modification (easier or harder) to accommodate different
ability levels and therefore maximises inclusion of all children and
challenge.
This approach allows students to play in bigger or small groups.
Children builds more confidence when they feel included.
7. References
Towns, J. (2002). About game sense. Retrieved from https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-3912527-
dt-content-rid-28958810_1/courses/102072_2019_1h/Games%20Sense%20Supplemental%20Reading.pdf
NSW department of education and training. (2000). Get skilled: get active. Retrieved from
https://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/downloads/file/teacherschildcare/Get_skilled_get_active_booklet.pdf
Light, R. (2006). game sense: innovation or just good coaching? Richard Light, 39(1), 8. Retrieved from
https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-3912527-dt-content-rid-
28958719_1/courses/102072_2019_1h/101576_2013_1h_ImportedContent_20121127041828/G%20SENSE%20INN
OVATION%20OR%20GOOD%20COACHING%20LIGHT.pdf
NSW ministry of health. (2010). NSW schools physical activity and nutrition survey (1). Retrieved from
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/heal/Publications/spans-2010-report.pdf
Board od Studies NSW. (2018). Personal development, Health and Physical Education K-10: syllabus. Retrieved
from file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/pdhpe-k-10-syllabus-2018-pdf.pdf
