This resource contains seven lectures (lessons) about character development based on the book by David Brooks called ‘The Road to Character’. Each lecture focuses on a different aspect of character development with particular reference to a historical figure from the ‘Great Generation’ (born pre-1940)in the United States; The Summoned Self - Frances Perkins Self Examination - Dorothy Day Self Conquest - Dwight Eisenhower Self Respect - Asa Philip Randolph Self Mastery - George Marshall Self Determination - Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Big Self and Little Self - Johnny Unitas and Joe Namath The lectures focus on how different people developed through their early life, college career, working life and their life achievement. The key is the dedication of their lives to humble service and not self glory and how they have impacted the world. These lectures were developed for a Year 8 lecture series.

The dangers of prescription drugs. Physical and psychological consequences of drug taking. The serious health risks of drugs which are prescribed by doctors. The probability of addiction and its consequences.

Facts about illegal drugs and associated risks. Link between drug use and mental health conditions. The law relating to supply and possession of illegal substances. Psychological consequences of addiction. Societal effects and costs of illicit drugs. A multiple choice drugs quiz included.

The facts about the harms of smoking tobacco (particularly the link to lung cancer), the benefits of quitting and how to access support to do so. The harmful chemicals in tobacco and addictive nature of nicotine.

Facts about Cannabis and associated risks. The link between cannabis and serious mental health conditions. The Law relating to supply and possession of cannabis. The physical and psycological risks associated with cannabis. The addicitive nature of cannabis.

Awareness of the dangers of drugs which are prescribed but still present a serious risk to health. Physical and psychological risks associated with prescription drugs. Risks of addiction.

The physical and psychological risks associated with alcohol consumption and what constitutes low risk consumption in adulthood. Physical and psychological consequences of addiction including alcohol dependency.

The facts about excessive sugar and caffeine consumption. Long term physical and psychological effects of excessive sugar and caffeine consumption. The dangers of dependency and obesity. A particular focus on the risks of drinking excessive Energy Drinks.