Scriptwriting and Dramatic Conflict: Drama Cover Lessons for KS3

KS3 Drama scriptwriting cover lessons on character conflict and dialogue, with two illustrated alternatives and a short writing extension.

Activities and learning

In The Argument, pupils invent a situation from a picture, write a dramatic exchange and explore how the characters feel afterwards. The Loan starts with a borrowing dispute and supplied opening lines, giving pupils a different way to develop believable dialogue. Both activities encourage characters to want different things. The Change the Tactic sheet asks pupils to rewrite part of a scene with a changed approach, such as persuasion, bargaining or refusal.

What’s included

• 2 original illustrated pupil worksheets
• Rewritten teachers’ notes with activity-by-activity guidance, approximate timings and suggestions for follow-up
• 1 supplementary pupil activity: Change the Tactic
• Printable PDF minipack; no editable Word version is included

Original worksheet titles

• The Argument
• The Loan

Using the resource

Choose either original worksheet for a one-off, desk-based cover lesson; the two are alternatives rather than a sequence. Pupils need writing paper and a pencil or pen. The teachers’ notes provide activity-by-activity suggestions, approximate timings and ideas for developing a turning point. Scripts can be used for later rehearsals or readings.

2028 curriculum

The series is being prepared for the planned 2028 KS3 Drama curriculum. This resource supports creating, through character objectives, dramatic conflict and dialogue. Final alignment will be reviewed when statutory requirements are published, and updated files will be available to purchasers at no additional cost.

Part of the Chalkface Drama Cover Lessons for KS3 series. Original worksheets were published in Cover Lessons in Drama.