Schoolchildren to study ‘spiritual and moral culture’ of Russia
Russian schools are set to introduce a new subject titled Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia starting in September 2026. The course will target students in grades five through seven, and focus on themes such as patriotism, religion, family, and national traditions, according to an Education Ministry document seen by RIA Novosti.
Education officials had originally intended for the subject, which already exists under another name, to be merged with regional history. However, they chose to keep it independent, with a new title and a slightly broader scope.
During the classes, students will engage in discussions on topics such as faith in God, family life, civic responsibility, national unity, and moral accountability, according to the ministry. The program also addresses themes like traditional marriage between a man and a woman, freedom, dignity, and human rights.
The subject is intended to help students apply these concepts in their daily lives, make ethical decisions, and reflect on their behavior. The ministry adds that it also seeks to foster pride in Russian history and strengthen generational ties. The new curriculum will draw on shared values across religions, using stories about prominent Russians to help students connect these ideas to real life.
The course remains under development. Teaching materials are being compiled by Moscow State Pedagogical University, with contributions from Metropolitan Tikhon of the Russian Orthodox Church, who heads the Simferopol and Crimean diocese and is widely reported as a spiritual adviser to President Vladimir Putin. University rector Aleksey Loubkov said the lessons would be adapted for age-appropriate understanding, possibly replacing the term “values” with simpler, more relatable language.
The initiative is part of a larger national effort to promote traditional values. In July, Russia’s lower house passed a bill that would deny movie licenses to films perceived as undermining these principles. If enacted, the law will take effect in March 2026, enabling authorities to revoke distribution rights for non-compliant films.
