According to the draft order of the Russian Ministry of Education, starting from the 2026-27 academic year, it is planned to reduce the number of foreign language lessons for students in grades 5-7 from three to two per week. Instead of the previous 102 hours per year, 68 hours will be allocated for studying the subject. Meanwhile, for grades 8-9, the previous volume will be maintained—three lessons weekly.
The explanatory note to the document states that this change is aimed at optimizing the academic workload and making more rational use of time. It is emphasized that the reduction in hours does not mean the cancellation of the subject—a basic level of proficiency in a foreign language will still be ensured.
According to the explanations, the freed-up time will be used for students in grades 5-7 to begin studying a new subject—"Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia," with classes held once a week. The course was developed with the participation of Metropolitan Tikhon Shevkunov, who is often referred to in the media as "Putin's spiritual advisor." The subject will be allocated 17 hours per year in grade 5 and 34 hours each in grades 6 and 7.