Starting in 2026, Russian schoolchildren in grades 5-7 will be required to study “Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia.” The curriculum, designed for students in grades 5, 6, and 7, will allocate 17 hours in the 5th grade and 34 hours in the 6th and 7th grades to the subject, necessitating adjustments to the main school curriculum.

The course aims to instill the spiritual and moral values of Russian and Russian civilization through the stories and achievements of historical figures. The program emphasizes the importance of presenting these figures in a way that resonates with modern youth and is appropriate for their age.

Teaching materials, including a video guide, are being developed alongside the textbook to enhance engagement. Examples of materials being considered include those created in New Chersonesus, as well as stories from the history of Ancient Russia, Byzantium, and antiquity.

The goal is to finalize the textbook manuscripts for all three grades by November 2025. History teachers will be responsible for delivering the course.

The introduction of this mandatory subject follows previous changes to the school curriculum regarding spiritual and moral education. The “Fundamentals of Spiritual and Moral Culture of the Peoples of Russia” has been taught since 2015, and further adjustments were proposed in subsequent years, including a temporary exclusion and a later reinstatement of a similar course.