From September 1, Russian schools will have less English and more 'spirituality': what will change in the curricula

The new school year in Russian schools begins with a series of changes to the curricula and the organization of the educational process, which, according to researchers, strengthen the propagandistic component of school education. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a study by the publication 'Agentstvo. Novosti' (Agency. News). The list of innovations includes updated programs in history and social studies, the introduction of a new subject on 'spiritual and moral culture,' and a restructuring of the military training course.

Social studies removed from 8th grade

Among the most notable changes is a reshuffle in the teaching of social studies: from the new school year, the subject is being removed from the 8th-grade program and will be taught only to 9th graders and older students using a new textbook. The authoring team of this textbook is led by Russian President's aide Vladimir Medinsky, with Dmitry Medvedev listed as the chief editor. According to the publication, the textbook discusses the 'war with the West,' 'traditional values,' and the dangers of social networks. The first two social studies lessons in 9th grade will be titled 'Russia — Our Sacred State.'

New subject on 'spiritual and moral culture'

For 5th graders, a subject called 'Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia' is being introduced in the second half of the school year. Its stated goal is the formation of 'traditional values.' In class, students will study state and public figures, representatives of culture, scientists, and military personnel, including so-called 'heroes of the special military operation (SVO).' From September 1, 2027, this subject is planned to be taught in grades 6–7 as well.

Less foreign language, more military training

Another change concerns foreign languages: in grades 5–7, the number of lessons is being reduced from three to two per week. At the same time, the course 'Fundamentals of Safety and Defense of the Motherland' is being split into two mandatory subjects — 'Life Safety' and 'Basic Military Training' — each allocated 34 hours. A novelty will also be the implementation of a historical enlightenment concept in educational institutions: according to 'Agentstvo,' it is aimed at unifying society and forming a 'patriotically minded' generation, and it is based on the ideas of the Soviet philosopher Georgy Shchedrovitsky.

Assessing the scale of the changes

According to the publication's calculations, the number of innovations it classifies as propagandistic in the 2026–2027 school year will be more than three times higher than the previous year and almost twice as many as in the early years of the war. Thus, the editorial team characterizes the package of changes as a systematic strengthening of the ideological component of the school curriculum.

Ukraine: electronic textbooks and free meals

Against the backdrop of these changes, in Ukraine, according to the publication, due to Russian shelling of trains carrying textbooks, the government has ordered the replacement of paper textbooks with electronic copies. Prime Minister Serhiy Haidai (note: original text names Serhiy Koretsky) stated that such decisions must take into account the situation in each specific region, while in Kyiv various formats for organizing the educational process are already being worked out, with schools required to be ready to quickly switch the format of instruction. In addition, from September 1, 2026, all students of municipal schools studying in person or in a mixed format will receive free hot meals — this applies to all schools and all grades, from 1st through 11th (12th).