understanding what is a game sense approach

1. GAME SENSE APPROACH

2. WHAT IS A GAME SENSE APPROACH?
A game sense approach is a teaching
strategy that aims at modifying
games and sports to develop the
skills and understanding of students
(Chen, & Light, 2006). It focuses on
beginning with simple games that will
reduce skill demand and instead
develop tactical awareness and
problem solving skills (Chen, & Light,
2006).

3. FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT SKILLS
The Australian curriculum states that “the fundamental movement skills to be
developed through Health and Physical Education” which include (The
Australian curriculum):
 locomotor and non-locomotor skills – rolling, balancing, sliding, jogging,
running, leaping, jumping, hopping, dodging, galloping, skipping, floating and
moving the body through water to safety
 object control skills – bouncing, throwing, catching, kicking, striking.
Through a game sense approach teachers can design practices by modifing
games and sports can be to achieve the fundamental movement skills. Teachers
can challenge and motivate players to develop an understanding of the
fundamental movement skills required (Austin, Haynes and Miller, 2004).

4. RATIONALE ON THE STRENGTHS OF A GAME SENSE TEACHING
APPROACH
Light (2004) highlights the effectiveness of a game sense approach as it:
 Allows students to have fun in physical activity while also, developing sport specific schools
overtime without them feeling pressured. This increase participation as students become
comfortable and more motivated to learn.
 Focuses on inclusion an cooperative learning through games and sports, instead of singling
out students to preform and practice one specific skill. This approach encourages students to
participate instead of them feeling embarrassed or incapable while preforming their
undeveloped skills.
 Modifies games and sports to the skill level of students in order to allow them to think about
what is required to play the game instead of being distracted by ensuring to correctly
preform high level skills.
 Is a student centered method that allows student to self assess their abilities and understand
how they can develop specific skills.

5. GAMES SENSE APPROACH AND LINKS TO SYLLABUS CONTENT
 A game sense approach address the NSW PDHPE syllabus aims and objectives.
 It encourages an understanding and valuing of self and others as students have the opportunity to
work more cooperatively in teams while self assessing theirs skills.
 It promotes physical activity by modifying sports and games that motivate students to participate and
enjoy.
 It emphasises informed decision making leading to effective and responsible action by introducing
students to strategies that will support them in making informed decisions about their well-being..
 it allows students to feel more competent and confident during moving by modifying games
depending on the skill level of students.
(BOS, 2012)

6. REFERENCE LIST
Austin, Haynes and Miller. (2004). Using a Games Sense Approach for improving fundamental motor skills, School of
Education University of New England.
Board of Studies, NSW. (2012). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus.
Sydney: Board of Studies
Chen, S., & Light, R. (2006). 'I thought I'd hate cricket but I love it!': Year six students' responses to Games Sense.
Light, R. (2004). Coaches' experiences of Game Sense: opportunities and challenges.
Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 9(2), 115-131.
The Australian Curriculum .(2000). ‘fundamental movement skills’,
Sydney, Retrieved 18 May https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/health-and-physical
education/Glossary/?term=fundamental+movement+skills