The average child is capable of learning more than most people realise, according to Dr. Johann DeBeer, a specialist in child education. Dr Debeer is credited with pioneering a year-long curriculum aimed at exceptionally talented children. The technique, known as Fastrackids, has been brought to the UAE by Creative Management Consultants (CMS).

CMS hope to interest local play schools, day care centres and kindergartens in the scheme. The company claims it has received a positive response from the Ministry of Education and several private schools.

CMS Executive Director Chander Mohan said, "The biggest problem in liberating a child's potential lies in our misconception about children's power. They are capable of more than what we think they are, and it has been proven scientifically."

Hal Krause, Chief Executive of Fastrackids International, which conceived DeBeer's research and packaged it in a 12-month curriculum, said, "Through Fastrackids we are trying to tap children's potential at a very early stage, which will enable them to express themselves better and understand things in a better way."

Krause said today's children must be prepared at a very early stage to face the challenges of the future, which are much tougher than those of the present day. "Today's traditional methods of teaching will not be adequate to groom them to face the challenges when they grow up," he said. "So we need to empower them at an early stage where they can be effective decision-makers."

According to DeBeer, children are not being given an opportunity to reach their full potential. His year-long curriculum is designed for pre-school kids, especially those between three and six years.

Fastrackids offers teacher training and provides technical support to schools wanting to use this method. Fastrackids is being taught in 100 schools in 21 countries. Mohan said that the response from UAE education officials and parents and teachers is encouraging.

"We are looking into two channels for the schools to accommodate the programme. It can be kept as a separate option, as well as being made a part of the regular curriculum," Mohan said. Parents may be able to choose this option within a few months in certain schools.