Game Sense is a modification of the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) method that encourages students to engage in modified activities to develop different skills. It is a student-centered approach where students are presented with game techniques to promote game competence. Through Game Sense, students have experiences in problem solving, testing ideas, and collaborative learning that build confidence and social and physical skills. The four categories of games used are invasion, striking/fielding, net/wall, and target games. Game Sense develops abilities, understanding of games, and can be modified by teachers for outcomes, students, and environments. It also helps students play with confidence and think strategically.

2. Game Sense is a modification of
Bunker and Thorpe’s Teaching
Games for Understanding
method (TGFU) which encourages
students to engage in modified
activities that promote different
abilities and skills (Light, 2013). This
week, 5W are going to play Oz tag so
students will be encouraged to
participate in a wide range of games
based on the game sense approach.

3. According to the Australian
Sports Commission (2017), the
Game Sense approach is a
student centered teaching
method whereby students are
presented with gaming methods
which promote competence of
the game techniques.

4. Through the use of game sense
pedagogies, experiences are
provided whereby students are
given the chance to engage in
learning which helps assess
solutions, problem solving,
testing and collaborative
learning. Through this, students
gain confidence, social skills and
a variety of physical skills which
boost their self esteem. The
four categories of games which
game sense uses to provide skill
development are:
• Invasion games
• Striking and fielding games
• Net and wall games
• Target games (Reid and
Harvey, 2014)

5. Hey Mr. Shark why
should game sense
be used in PDHPE?
lessons?
• Students engage in
modified games which
further develops
abilities and
understanding of games
• Teachers can use this
approach to modify
games to suit their
students, the
environment their in or
the specific outcome
which the teacher
wishes to achieve.

6. What else can game sense be used for?
It helps
motivate
students to
play with
confidence
Students
develop skills
to think and
play
strategically
further
enhancing
their decision
making skills

7. What syllabus outcomes are
achieved through the game
sense approach?
PSS3.5
Suggests, considers and
selects appropriate
alternatives when
resolving problems.
ALS3.6
Shows how to
maintain and
improve the quality
of an active lifestyle.
GSS3.8
Applies movement skills
in games and sports
that require
communication,
cooperation, decision
making and
observation
of rules.
IRS3.11
Describes roles and
responsibilities in
developing and
maintaining positive
relationships.

8. References
Australian Sports Commission. (2017). Sporting Schools. Retrieved October 01, 2017, from
https://sportingschools.gov.au/resources-and-pd/schools/playing-for-life-resources/game-sense-approach
Light, R. (2013). Game sense : pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment. Retrieved from
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
Reid, P., & Harvey, S. (2014). We're delivering Game Sense … aren't we? (Vol. 3, Ser. 1). Taylor & Francis Online.
http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.uws.edu.au/10.1080/21640629.2014.967519