Why Game Sense Makes Sense

1. is the way forward (Townsend, 2007)
• Fun
• Empowering
• Student –centred
• Engaging
• Motivating

2. Game Sense
• Teamwork
• Co-operative
• Inclusive

3. Game Sense
• Decision-making
• Strategic
• Experimental

4. Game Sense
• Creative
• Inquiry-based approach

5. Game Sense
Game sense is a relatively new
approach that was introduced to
Australia in the mid 90’s. This
approach focuses on the game
rather than techniques where
players are encouraged to
develop their strategic and
tactical skills.

6. It can be divided into four types of
games:
Invasion games (e.g. soccer, rugby,
basketball and Australian football)
Striking games (e.g. cricket and
softball)
Net/wall games (e.g. volleyball,
tennis and squash)
Target games (e.g. golf, archery and
lawn bowls) (Light, 2006)

7. Why Game Sense?
One of the main reasons to use Game Sense to teach PDHPE is
that this approach is student-centered and inquiry-based where
we concentrate on the game instead of the skills. Hence, it
empowers students to become active and independent learners
and take ownership of their learning with guidance when required.
In addition, it gives students the feeling of achievement and
enjoyment.
Moreover, this approach assists children not only to develop their
fundamental movement skills but also to foster their confidence
and understanding of an active and healthy lifestyle, which links
directly to the PDHPE K-6 syllabus (Board of Studies, 2007).

8. One of the biggest strengths of the Game Sense approach is the
modification of the rules of the games to suit all students’ needs and
abilities. Thus, we start with simplified games in order to engage
children on an intellectual level. Once they develop an understanding
of a game, its complexity gradually increases. Therefore, students
learn not only the technique but also expand their knowledge and
understanding of tactical aspects of the game (Light, 2013).
Through play, students obtain vital life skills such as decision-making,
determining strategies and a game plan via cooperative learning,
which assists them with the development, and maintenance of
interpersonal skills and provides opportunities for teamwork (Board of
Studies, 2007).

9. Game Sense helps students to
become not only better
players but also healthy,
informed and valuable
members of our society.
Still not convinced if it suits
your child? Then, come and
join us for a fun PE lesson on
28th October, 2016.

10. References
Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal Development, Health and Physical
Education K-6: Syllabus. Sydney, Australia: Author.
Light, R. (2006, May). Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of
Physical Education New Zealand, 39(1), 8-9.
Light, R. (2013). Game sense for physical education and sport coaching. In Game
sense: Pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment. London, UK:
Routledge, 37-47.
Townsend, G. (2007). Game Sense. RFU Technical Journal, 1-9.