The school's Passion Projects is in its second year and enables students to flourish in a creative environment while driving their own learning.

Students can explore areas of personal interest, which go beyond the mandated curriculum.

Areas include book writing, engineering, game development, fashion design, financial investment and even particle accelerator design.

Teacher Dr Daniel Atkins has facilitated the program since moving to the school from the University of Newcastle in 2019.

"We know when students are driven by their own curiosity to learn, they approach optimum conditions for individual learning, which can naturally extend their level of performance," Dr Atkins said.

By developing an innovative mindset students can further develop their creativity.

"This leading to endless opportunities both inside and outside of their school environment," Dr Atkins said.

Students involved in the Passion Projects participate in a design process to kick start their project. This involves goal planning, budgeting, resourcing and prototyping.

Finalised projects include published children's book Dilly's Adventure by Hayley Norman, mobile gaming app Forest of Stones by Jesse Williams, dystopian novel The Tower by Ethan Baywood and veterinary work by Prue Sutherland.

Prue said pursuing the project has assisted her in figuring out her future career.

The school spokesperson said the next step will involve students engaging with local business and industries for mentoring.

Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) started the year with an increase in enrolments.

School Principal Leanne Lesic said the school is thrilled to see the community continue to grow in 2020.

"We look forward to inspiring our students, while providing quality education and learning opportunities in a nurturing and innovative environment," she said.

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