Unleash the Entrepreneur Within From FS1 to Year 13
Determined Genius is designed to instil resilience, creativity, and the mindset behind achievement.
Six Foundational Pillars
Principals
Integrity & Values
We start with who you are before what you build. Students develop a strong ethical foundation, learning to make decisions with integrity, accountability, and respect for others. These principles guide every idea, action, and outcome.
Power
Confidence & Agency
Entrepreneurship is about belief in yourself and ownership of your ideas. Students build confidence by taking initiative, making decisions, and learning that their voice matters, developing the agency to shape outcomes rather than wait for instructions.
Pioneering, Innovation & Bold Thinking
Students are encouraged to think differently, question assumptions, and explore new possibilities. Through creative challenges and real-world problems, they learn to innovate with curiosity, courage, and originality.
Practice
Habits & Mastery
Students develop consistent habits, planning, testing, refining, and reflecting, learning that mastery is built through practice, not perfection
Purpose
Meaning & Direction
Entrepreneurship is most powerful when it has purpose. Students learn to connect their ideas to real needs, personal passions, and positive impact, giving direction to their ambitions and meaning to their work.
The Student Journey
Wonder & Exploration: Planting the seeds of creativity, confidence, and problem-solving.
- Storytelling
- Journaling
- Building self-belief
Early Years (FS1-FS2)
Primary (Years 1–6)
Secondary (Year 7–11):
Ideas into Action: Enhance self-awareness and empathy to lead authentically.
- Goal-mapping
- Problem-solving
- Leadership challenges
Curiosity into Creativity: Building early entrepreneurial habits and tech fluency through play and purpose.
- Guided reflection
- Resilience practice
- Teamwork
Senior (Year 12-13):
Impact & Innovation: Equipping future founders and leaders with real-world skills, experience, and exposure.
- Mentorship
- Entrepreneurship
- Impact-driven projects
"Every child, regardless of their background, has the potential to be extraordinary. Determined Genius goes beyond a programme. It embodies a philosophy that teaches students that success is built, not born. While technology may evolve, the qualities that define greatness such as perseverance, integrity, and ambition remain timeless. Through this framework, we give our students the mindset, discipline, and courage to shape their own futures.”
Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education
Leadership & Inspiration
Chaired by Amanda Staveley
Renowned businesswoman and financier, Amanda Staveley brings her strategic expertise and passion for resilience to guide the programme.
"Determined Genius equips students not only for academic achievement but with the tools to face challenges with confidence, creativity, and character."
Amanda Staveley,
Chair of Determined Genius
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this programme for?
Who is this programME for?
The Determined Genius curriculum is designed for all learners aged 3–18, from foundation stage through to senior school. It adapts to each age group, providing age-appropriate experiences, from early storytelling and journaling to senior-level goal-mapping, mentorship, and real-world projects and it delivered via Curriculum lessons, After School Activities and Holiday Camps.
What is the duration?
What is the duration?
The programme is a structured journey that runs throughout a student’s school years. It begins with pilots in five schools and will be fully rolled out across all GEMS schools in the UAE and Qatar.
What support can my child expect?
What support can MY CHILD expect?
Students benefit from a global network of mentors – including business leaders, athletes, artists, and GEMS alumni, who provide guidance and inspiration.
They also gain access to immersive experiences, AI-powered personalised learning pathways, and the GEMS Global Innovation Challenge, ensuring every learner is supported in building resilience, creativity, and determination.
How do I enroll?
How do I enroll?
Enrollment is through GEMS Education schools. Parents can register their children by applying to any GEMS school offering the Determined Genius curriculum.
Empower yourself. Lead with purpose. Transform your future.
Perseverance
Grit & Resilience
Setbacks are part of every entrepreneurial journey. Students learn how to adapt, recover, and keep going, developing resilience, problem-solving skills, and the grit to turn challenges into opportunities.
About
Determined Genius
Rooted in research on achievement and resilience, the Determined Genius Academy helps students develop the traits that drive long-term success: grit, ambition, consistency, and determination. From early years to senior school, every learner follows a personalised journey that grows with them.
Through immersive experiences, emerging technologies, and a curriculum grounded in curiosity, creativity, and courage, students move beyond preparation. They are empowered to turn ideas into real impact.
The Determined Genius framework is built on six foundational pillars that develop the mindset, skills, and confidence students need to thrive, at school and beyond.
Determined Genius is embedded across curriculum, enrichment, and real-world learning.