Game Sense

Miss Taylor
18589186
 What is game sense?
Game sense is an approach to teaching which focuses on being player-
centred. This mean students are engaged and included in all aspects of the
activity and rather than playing a specific sport, students are taught skills.
 Features of game
Inclusive with a focus on learning (rather than winning)
Student centred
Games are adaptable to the needs of students
Learning through playing
Focus on student communication
Cross-sporting tactics (students are able to transfer their skills across as range of
sports)
(Brooker & Clennett, 2006), (Light, 2006), (Mandigo, Butler, & Hopper, 2009)
 Why game sense?
With guidance Inquiry based learning is implemented widely within the
classroom, giving students the skills to work in collaboration and learn at their
own pace. The same principles apply with game sense, students are learning the
transferable tactics and skills of game play, in a fun a safe environment.
Allowing students to develop movement skills and take control of their
physical literacy. (Mandigo et al., 2009)
 Benefits of Game sense
Game sense shifts the purpose of physical activity by making it less about who
wins and who loses and focuses on the learning. Students are no longer being
shown what they cant do but are now realising what is possible. This is through
an inclusive pedagogical system. Refocus on the learning of students and
building on their skills and abilities. (Brooker & Clennett, 2006)
 Implementation
Warm- up
Fundamental movement skills will be used in simple game which includes the whole class
Body
The activity will start with simple rules and allow all students to develop their skills, over
time the rules will increase and be modified to suit the needs of the students
I will support and encourage the involvement and engagement of all students, supporting
those who need it. This will be in the form of skill development and positive reinforcement
such as praise.
(Brooker & Clennett, 2006), (Light, 2006), (Mandigo et al., 2009)
 Syllabus requirements
Game Sense meets several of the syllabus requirements and allows students to develop
their skills while meeting the outcomes of PDHPE. This can be seen within the
movement outcome for early stage one that requires students to Demonstrate a
general awareness of how basic skills apply in play and other introductory movement
experience. Through a games based curriculum students are able to achieve this
outcome. The outcomes of Decision making and problem solving also fit seamlessly
with the game sense pedagogy which allows students to learn tactics and work as a
team.
Decision making: Identifies some options available when making simple decisions.
Problem solving : Seeks help as needed when faced with simple problems.
 References
BOSTES. (2013). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6
Syllabus. Sydney.
Brooker, R., & Clennett, A. (2006). Teaching Health and Physical Education in
Australian Schools. Frenches Forest: Pearson Education Australia.
Light, R. (2006). Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of Physical
Education New Zealand, 39(1), 8-19.
Mandigo, J., Butler, J., & Hopper, T. (2009). What is Teaching Games for
Understanding? A Canadian perspective. In J. B. Tim Hopper (Ed.), TGfU...Simply
Good Pedagogy: understanding a complex challenge. Vancouver: PHE Canada.