1. A Game Sense approach for teaching primary school
classes about physical education.
By: Rula Al-Shibly (17486965)
2. The purpose of the Game Sense Approach in teaching
• A game sense approach is a teaching method that is used by teachers in primary schools. According to
Charlesworth (as cited in Pill, 2016,p.281) “the game sense approach is used to enhance children’s
performance by combining movement ability, tactical and athletic competency”.
• Pill (2016,p.282) argues that a game sense approach involves playing small sided games and changing
games to suit certain situations. It also involves the teacher meeting the needs of the children and
modifying games to promote motor skill learning.
• According to Pill (2016,p.282) It requires the teacher to conduct games that have similar principles of
play and tactical problems which allows the teacher to conduct games within the same categories.
3. Game Sense Approach
• Pill (2014,p.283) argues that the game sense approach involves a dialogue to be made
between the teacher and the players.
• According to Pill 2014,p.283) “A game sense approach requires a more comprehensive
understanding of sport compared to focusing on skills which needs to be more clearly
understood by teachers”.
• A major part of the game sense approach is fundamental movement skills. The fundamental
movement skills are skills that students learn by participating in different activities such as
games, physical activities and sports.
4. Game Sense Approach
• The game sense approach is important because it allows students to gain an understanding about
different games that could be played in the primary school environment.
• According to Light (2012,p.12) “an important aspect of game sense approach that must be
considered is that teachers must begin by introducing a few discrete games and seeing how they
work which can be easier and it allows students and players to adapt to the style of teaching and
coaching”.
• Grehaigne, Richard and Griffin argue that (as cited in Light, 2012,p.11) teachers must be aware of
the knowledge and skills of their students and must be prepared to modify the games to make
them easier or more challenging.
5. Strengths of the Game Sense Approach
There are many strengths of the game sense approach which include:
• It allows both students and teachers to be involved in the activity.
• It gives teachers the opportunity to give feedback to students and modify the activity.
• Children are able to develop certain skills and knowledge related to the games,
physical activity and sports.
• Students are given the opportunity to participate in certain activities which will
enhance their performance in several ways.
According to Griffin and Patton (as cited in 0’Leary, 2016,p.4) “ the game sense approach
develops students’ tactical awareness and decision-making within modified games
utilising constructivist learning principles”. Griffin and Patton’s argument is significant
because students will develop the knowledge required which will be impacted by the
teacher’s teaching methods.
6. Rational and Discussion
• The game sense approach is linked to the personal health and physical education
syllabus because the teachers incorporate the game sense approach with the content
that they teach to children in primary school.
• In the Personal Development Health Physical Education kindergarten to year 6
syllabus, an important aspect that should be considered is the rationale. The rationale
is significant because it allows students to gain knowledge and it positively impacts
them in various ways which is important for their health and development.
• According to NESA ( 2014, p.7) “The PDHPE Syllabus encourages an understanding and
valuing of self and others, promotes physical activity, emphasizes informed decision
making leading to effective and responsible action”.
7. Rationale and Discussion
• The personal development, health and physical education k-6 syllabus is important for teachers
because it allows them to use the content such as the game sense approach in the syllabus and
apply it to educating young children about physical education and development.
• The game sense approach is an important topic in the personal development, health and
physical education k-6 syllabus that needs to be taught because it provides young children the
necessary skills for participating in activities such as games and sports which is important for
their wellbeing and their physical health.
8. Reference list
Light, R. (2013). Game sense pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment. (Routledge studies in physical
education and youth sport). Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon ; New York: Routledge.11-12.
New South Wales Education Standards Authority. (2012). Personal Health and Physical Education K-6. Retrieved May 16th
2018 from http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/pdhpe/pdhpe-k-6-syllabus.
O’ Leary, N. (2016). Learning informally to use the ‘full version’ of teaching games for understanding. European Physical
Education Review, 22(1), 3-22.
Physical Education [Image] (2018, April 23). Retrieved May 16th 2018 from https://www.neshaminy.org/domain/661.
Pill, S. (2016). An appreciative inquiry exploring game sense teaching in physical education. Sport, Education and Society,
21:2, 279-297.
