Game Sense is a student-centered teaching approach in physical education that uses modified games to develop students' skills, strategies, and decision-making. It emphasizes collaboration and problem-solving within games rather than isolated skill practice. The approach incorporates fundamental movement skills and encourages participation through inclusive games tailored for different abilities. Game Sense provides an environment where students can discuss strategies, make decisions within games, and learn through peer interaction rather than direct instruction. It aligns with curriculum goals of developing students' physical, mental, social and communication skills through a positive approach focused on enjoyment and inclusion in physical activity.

1. GAME
SENSE

2. What is Game Sense?

3. The Game Sense is a teaching approach where games and student-centered learning is
at the heart of the experience. Game Sense is a technique where games are modified to
offer opportunities for students to ‘work collaboratively on developing strategies, tactics
and appropriate technique’ (Light, 2006) It Is an approach in sport that provides
students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding and skills through
participating in games. Same Sense is an unique approach to physical education as it
uses questioning, decision making, problem solving and skills rather than practicing
isolated techniques before being involved in game. This teaching approach contains
‘emphasises the development of skill, understanding and decision making ability
occurring at the same time. (Light, 2006)

4. Fundamental Movement Skills

5. As the name suggests the fundamental movement skills are skills that are essential to a child’s physical development. The
movement skills are the foundation in establishing a devotion to a healthy and physical activity. These skills enable students
with the ability to perform more complex skills to participate in various sports, games and activities in their later life. There
are 12 fundamental skills and they were selected to develop the groundwork of physical skills required through an
individual’s life.( Get skilled, get active, NSW DET. 2000)
The 12 fundamental movement skills are:
•static balance
•sprint run
•vertical jump
•catch
•hop
•side gallop
•Skip
•overarm throw
•leap
•kick
•two-hand strike
•dodge
Game Sense incorporates many of the fundamental movement skills, balance, ball and locomotor skills
therefore the game sense approach includes for sport to be ‘relevant and rewarding for children and young
people’ (Light, 2006)

6. Game Sense
in Education and
its strengths.

7. Game sense within the education forum allows teachers to modify games in order
to accommodate students of various ages, ability levels and enthusiasm which
therefore increases inclusion and participation. This allows teachers to construct a
series of lessons that incorporate altered games that progressively develop
fundamental movement skills, decision making, game strategies and skills in
physical education. Game Sense allows students the opportunity to develop the
necessary mental and physical skills that are required for specific sports.

8. Game sense is a student-centered approach to physical education which provides students with
the environment to be independent and critical learners. One key aspect of game sense is the use
of questions. Teachers use questions to encourage peer discussions and the development of
thinking players. It provides students with the opportunity to use decision making skills to think
about solutions to games. With the emphasis on teacher’s asking questions and the
encouragement of peer discussions it establishes an environment for students to their
development and learning. Game Sense approach provides the environment for students to test
out ideas and apply strategies that have been developed through discussions. Due to activities
being student-centered it motivates students during games because it promotes fun and
enjoyment. The purpose of Game Sense approach is for students to be more actively included
rather than the teacher telling the students the rules and what they have to do.

9. Game Sense and the Syllabus

10. The Game sense approach in teaching physical education links with many areas if the NSW Board of
Studies Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus (2007)
The aim of the PDHPE curriculum is to ‘develop in each student the knowledge and understanding,
skills and values and attitudes needed to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives.’ The PDHPE program
aims to provide students with a sense of control over decisions which leads to a more positive
experience within themselves and with relationships. The game sense approach works towards
achieving this goal as it is student-centered providing the opportunity for students to develop their
decision making skills as well as a forum to encourage peer discussion resulting in developing
communication skills. Game Sense approach directly links with the syllabus strand of ‘Game and
Sport’. It also allows for students to be encouraged in their physical development and support in
obtaining and utilising the fundamental movement skills they learn, which supports the PDHPE
rationale outlined in the syllabus. (NSW Board of Studies, 2007)

11. • Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6
Syllabus. Sydney: Board of Studies
• Get skilled, get active : a K-6 resource to support the teaching of fundamental movement skills. NSW
DET, 2000
References
• Light, R. (2006) Game sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of Physical Education
New Zealand, 39(1) 8-19,3.