New format of 'Protection of Ukraine': what to expect for students from September 1, 2025.

Changes in the teaching format of the subject 'Protection of Ukraine'

From September 1, 2025, schools in Ukraine will introduce a new format for teaching the subject 'Protection of Ukraine'. In Kharkiv, classes will be held in designated support schools in each district of the city, reported the director of the city's education department, Olga Demenko, at a press conference.

The new educational program will include both theoretical and practical training, as well as first aid. Students will have two hours of this subject per week and one full school day per month dedicated to studying 'Protection of Ukraine'.

'We want to create support schools that have, for example, a shooting range, a modern classroom for this subject, a stadium, an obstacle course, where there are strong teachers, including veterans we are currently involving if they have the appropriate education. Thus, for instance, we can teach children from two, three, or four schools in this support school,' - explained Olga Demenko.

It was noted that the updates to the learning format began back in September 2024. A new model educational program has already been approved, teaching approaches have been updated, and funds have been allocated for the modernization of the material and technical base and the professional development of teachers.

Six modules in the 10th grade and additional subjects at the 11th grade level

In the 10th grade, the educational program will include six modules: fundamentals of national security, military management and planning, shooting training, weaponry and military equipment, first aid. In the 11th grade, students will study military technologies, fundamentals of OSINT, methods of recognizing and countering propaganda, civilian behavior in crisis conditions, and will continue shooting and tactical training as well as first aid.

'There is also a module “Planning for the future: personal role in the defense of Ukraine,” - added Anna Kovalenko. More than 960 educational centers have already been created across Ukraine, where training takes place in a training format.

It should be noted that the Ukrainian language may also be restricted in educational institutions.