PDHPE Rationale

THE IMPORTANCE OF USING A GAME

SENSE APPROACH TO TEACH PDHPE

MISS DALIA HAMAD 3H

 Game sense-what is it?

Game sense is an approach that places emphasis on

the game before learning the skills and techniques
associated with it (Light, 2013).
It allows students to develop their skills through
modified games and promotes an enjoyable PDHPE
experience (Light, 2013).
Furthermore games are integrated into lessons in
order to develop the tactical skills of students.
Tactical awareness is crucial when playing games
and can assist with the students performance of the
sport (OLeary, 2015).
 Fundamental movement skills in relation to the
Game Sense Approach
In conjunction to the game sense approach is the
development of the twelve fundamental movement skills.
These include skills such as the sprint run, the vertical
jump, the catch and the hop (NSW department of
education and Training, 2000).
According the NSW department of education and
Training (2000) children are more likely to enjoy
physical activity if they are able to successfully perform
these skills.
The develop of these skills will allow the student till feel
more competent when participating in sporting activities,
which will allow them to enjoy integration of game sense
into the PDHPE.
 Rationale for using Game Sense in PDHPE

Using game sense in PDHPE lessons will allow

students to develop the skills they need effectively
while also enjoying their experience.
Using the game sense approach in comparison to
traditional teaching approaches will provide students
with a positive experience and make them feel like
the skills and techniques they need for the particular
sport is achievable.
The strengths of using the Game Sense Approach
in teaching

The integration of game sense in the class can promote

physical activity as students may have more fun learning
through games (Board of Studies PDHPE Syllabus,
2007).
Game sense supports the idea of an active lifestyle as well
as the development of fundamental movement skills in
the form of games (Board of Studies PDHPE Syllabus,
2007).
Not only does game sense promote physical activity, but
also develops essential skills such as communicating and
interacting through collaborative activities and
movement skills (Board of Studies PDHPE Syllabus,
2007).
 References

Board of Studies, NSW. (2012). Personal Development, Health and

Physical Education K6 Syllabus. Sydney: Board of Studies. Retrieved
from
http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/go/personaldevelo
pmenthealthandphysical educationpdhpe

Light, R.(2013).Game sense: Pedagogy for Performance,

participation and enjoyment. Milton Park, Abingdon: Routledge.

New South Wales, Open Training Education Network (N.S.W), & New
South Wales(2000). Get skilled, get active: A K-6 resource to support
the teaching of fundamental movement skills. Ryde, N.S.W.: NSW
Dept. of Education and Training.

OLeary, N.(2015). Learning informally to use the full version of

teaching games for understanding. European Physical Education
Review, 22(1), 3-22.