GEMS Education launches Determined Genius to build character and resilience beyond the classroom

• Research-informed framework integrates seamlessly with all curricula, empowering students aged 3–18 to unlock their inner potential
• Centred on six core pillars that nurture ambition, character, and perseverance
• Chaired by renowned business leader Amanda Staveley, the initiative builds the mindset behind lifelong achievement

GEMS Education today announced the launch of Determined Genius, a transformative development framework designed to help students aged 3 to 18 build intrinsic motivation and foster the mindset, habits, and behaviours required to reach their full potential – both academically and personally.

Built with a goal to unlock the “inner genius” in every learner, the programme integrates seamlessly with existing curricula across all GEMS schools, including British, American, IB, CBSE, and Indian systems, without disrupting academic delivery. Rather than adding pressure to academic learning, the framework strengthens how students approach challenge, effort, and growth, ensuring academic success is supported by resilience, discipline, and purpose.

At its core, Determined Genius is grounded in evidence-based research and draws on established thinking in neuroscience, psychology, grit, growth mindset, executive function, purpose-driven learning, and character education. This research-informed approach ensures the framework is developmentally appropriate and impactful across different age groups and learning stages.

The Determined Genius framework is anchored in six foundational principles, collectively known as the 6Ps, which shape how students think, learn, and apply their potential:

• Practice – developing mastery through disciplined effort and deliberate improvement
• Purpose – connecting learning to meaning, direction, and long-term goals
• Perseverance – building resilience and the ability to overcome setbacks
• Principles – acting with integrity, responsibility, and ethical grounding
• Power – cultivating self-belief, agency, and confidence
• Pioneering – encouraging curiosity, innovation, and bold thinking

GEMS Chairman and Founder Sunny Varkey described the initiative as “a new benchmark in holistic education”, adding: “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.”

Leading the initiative as Chair, Amanda Staveley, British business executive and financier, brings her extensive global experience and passion for youth empowerment to the role. Known for facilitating major Middle Eastern investments, including the acquisition of English Premier League football club, Newcastle United and a landmark deal with Barclays Bank, Ms Staveley embodies the resilience and drive at the heart of Determined Genius.

Highlighting how the programme prepares students for life and not just academics, Ms Staveley said. “I have seen first-hand how determination, grit, and resilience shape success, and how vital it is that young people are taught these qualities early. Determined Genius connects inspiration, action, and aspiration in a framework that not only drives academic achievement but also equips students with the tools to face challenges with confidence, creativity, and character.”

The Determined Genius framework is brought to life through three interconnected execution pillars, each designed to translate mindset into action in practical, age-appropriate ways.

The GEMS Global Innovation Challenge provides students with a real-world platform to identify problems, develop solutions, collaborate, and present outcomes. The emphasis is on creative thinking, problem-solving, and learning through doing, with success defined by progress and growth rather than winning alone.

The Entrepreneurship Academy delivers structured capability-building across key stages through masterclasses, case studies, and applied learning modules. Delivered via a learning management system, the programme includes research skills, financial literacy, storytelling, pitching, and problem-solving, supported by an AI-enabled feedback tool that provides personalised responses as students develop their ideas and entrepreneurial capabilities.

The Masterclasses and Podcast Series expose students to high-performing global figures such as Usain Bolt, Lewis Hamilton, and Gordon Ramsay, who share lived experiences of perseverance, discipline, and purpose. These sessions help translate aspiration into action, reinforcing the values at the heart of Determined Genius.

Students also receive a digital 'DG Passport', enabling them to track progress, reflect on personal growth, and set goals aligned with the 6Ps, reinforcing ownership of their learning journey.

Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer summed up its overall impact, saying: "Determined Genius speaks to every learner. It recognises that success comes in many forms and that with the right mindset, tools, and support, all students can achieve extraordinary things.”

The rollout has already begun, with the programme currently piloted across select schools and ECAs within the GEMS network. It will progressively expand to all 46 GEMS schools across the UAE and Qatar by January 2026. Eventually, Determined Genius aims to extend beyond GEMS, offering its transformative framework to schools across the wider region.

The initiative represents GEMS Education’s belief that, given the right mindset and opportunities, every student can achieve their full potential and that true genius is built, not born.

Visit the Determined Genius website