The initiative titled Foundations of the Spiritual and Moral Culture of the Peoples of Russia will be integrated into Russian schools starting in 2023, covering grades 5 through 9. This new topic is designed to be taught as part of the curriculum for the specified classes, and the information comes from TASS, via the Ministry of Education’s press service.
Since September 1, schools have begun delivering instruction under updated educational standards for primary and basic general education. The introduction of these standards marks the shift toward a more cohesive approach to foundational learning and character development within the national curriculum.
The study Foundations of the Spiritual and Moral Culture of the Peoples of Russia aims to cultivate students’ personal growth while exposing them to traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. It emphasizes the rules and norms of behavior that guide individuals within society, helping learners understand their responsibilities and roles in a diverse cultural landscape.
According to the Ministry of National Education, the new course serves as a semantic continuation of the previously taught Fundamentals of Religious Cultures and Secular Ethics. Previously offered in the 4th grade, the course now expands to include six elective modules. These modules cover the foundations of Orthodox culture, Islamic culture, Buddhist culture, Jewish culture, world religious cultures, and secular morality, exposing students to a broad spectrum of belief systems and ethical frameworks.
Also beginning September 1 of the current year, Russian schools introduced a mandatory weekly flag-raising ceremony. The ceremony standard, published on the official website of the Ministry of Education, recommends completing the ritual with a short rendition of the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, performed in unison with all participants. The ritual, widely observed as a formal expression of national unity, emphasizes shared civic identity.
Additionally, a weekly schedule feature titled Conversations about the Important Issues will be conducted. This initiative is intended to give students space to discuss topics related to the country, regional history, municipal history, and ongoing socio-political life, fostering informed civic dialogue and critical thinking among young learners [Source: Ministry of Education communications].