Part 1: Imagination & Empathy — 5 Powerful Key Stage 3 Plays
- Lucy Bellingham
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 3
Engaging, challenging texts should be at the heart of a rich Key Stage 3 Drama Curriculum. The right play can develop empathy, stretch imagination, and build essential drama skills.
In this first part of our Key Stage 3 play text series for drama teachers, we’re focusing on emotionally rich and visually imaginative stories that spark creativity in the classroom.
Please note- For International teachers, Key Stage 3 in the UK is 11-14 years.
1. War Horse – Adapted by Nick Stafford (from the novel by Michael Morpurgo)
A compelling World War I narrative told through puppetry, ensemble work and physical theatre is a popular choice to use with Year 7 students. Students are drawn to the emotional bond between Albert and his horse, Joey.
Key themes:
- War and survival
- Friendship and loyalty
- Courage and endurance
2. A Monster Calls – based on the novel by Patrick Ness
This deeply emotional story blends realism with fantasy and is a popular choice at Key Stage 3 for Year 9 in particular. Devised performance techniques encourage creativity, and the central themes resonate with students going through personal change.
Key themes:
- Grief and loss
- Imagination and storytelling
- Growing up
3. Sparkleshark by Philip Ridley
There are a wealth of great play choices from the National Theatre Connections plays. Philip Ridley's Sparkleshark is a great choice for Years 7 & 8 in Key Stage 3 Drama. Tackling bullying through fantastical storytelling, this ensemble-friendly play encourages compassion, confidence, and bold characterisation.
Key themes:
- Peer pressure and identity
- Storytelling as escape
- Acceptance and transformation
4. Cloud Busting by Helen Blakeman
Another National Theatre Connections play from 2011 and only 45 mins in length, this is perfect playtext for Year 7. Head of Drama Rob Otton uses this for a Year 7 scheme across a whole term. He feels it works perfectly with this age group, as it really resonate with them, through it's exploration of friendship. A lyrical adaptation of Malorie Blackman's novel, Cloudbusting is ideal for abstract and poetic exploration in performance.
Key themes:
- Friendship
- Betrayal and redemption
- Mental health
5. Wendy & Peter Pan by Ella Hickson
This can work really well within a Key Stage 3 drama curriculum, especially if you are exploring the digital version of Peter Pan and are using it to introduce live performance review. This reimagining of a classic puts Wendy centre stage, giving a fresh feminist twist. It’s a great text for exploring physical theatre and strong emotional arcs.
Key themes:
- Gender and independence
- Grief and growing up
- Adventure and imagination
📚 Coming up next in Part 2:
Explore modern myths, magical tales, and moral questions with five more fantastic play texts perfect for KS3.
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this three-part Blog on Key Stage 3 Drama Texts.
We have over 150 resources for teaching Key Stage 3 Drama in our FREE Resource Library, which you can sign up for here: https://www.weteachdrama.com/get-the-password
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