WHAT IS GAME SENSE APPROACH

- Game sense approach is a PE and sports coaching approach that focusing on physical
education and skills building through the medium of the game. (Light, 2012).

- This approach follows the ideal that the best method for developing and bettering key motor
skills is through participating in games based activities utilising said skills

- This model explains that the context of participating in a game or modified sport is a better
mode of skill development because it provides real world context as well as a goal of
‘winning’ the game.

- Students specific skill levels and motor skills are able to develop at the same time whilst
having fun
- As well as skill development game sense also aims to improve students problem solving and
strategic thinking in a fun and inclusive manor

- Problem solving skills are ones that are used in all facets of education and PDHPE is no
different. Game sense approach helps to create experiences and games that allow students
to think for themselves and analyse patterns in the games that they are playing in order to
win.

- This analytical look at the games is then transformed into strategy as students bring there
planning into the real life context of the game. (O’Leary, 2016)
GAME SENSE AND THE SYLLABUS
- Cross examining this approach in terms of the NSW PDHPE K-6 Syllabus, Game sense
approach shares a movement philosophy that aims a students developing key motor skills to
participate in a wide array of sports and leisure activities (NSW BOS, 2007)

- The Syllabus overview and subject matter describe students need for an active lifestyle and
participation in enjoyable experiences that will positively influence their outlook on physical
activity.

- Game sense approach fits this criteria through creation of inclusive and modifiable games
activities that students become deeply engaged in. this approach also creates a healthy
bridge from play based activities introduced in infancy and equip students with the
necessary skills and motivation of an active life.
WHY USE IT IN MR L’S CLASSROOM
As part of our class rationale I aim to create the post inclusive and positive learning
environment possible to benefit the learning needs of the students. game sense approach fits
into this idea by:

- Promoting skill development through unique games that allow students to build their motor
skills and techniques in a real world context

- Being easily adaptable to meet the needs or varying abilities of the students in the class.
Modification plays a big role in Game sense approach and teachers are able to modify
games to meet many skill requirements and ability levels.

- Developing hands on skills that can be used in many physical contexts

- Utilising problem solving and strategic thinking techniques in a physical context to play a
achieve a common goal or win a game

- And finally utilise team based activities to build social skills as well as making fun and
engaging physical experiences that all students will enjoy
REFERENCES
Light, R. (2012). Game sense : pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment. Routledge.
Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com

O’Leary, N. (2016). Learning informally to use the ‘full version’ of teaching games for understanding. In
European Physical Education Review. Vol. 22(1). pp. 3–22

NSW Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus. NSW Board of studies: Australia