Comet Bay, where learning is play

While most schools might consider a desk and a whiteboard the classroom essentials, at Comet Bay Primary School the typical equipment might be a mud pie or a recycled bathtub.

For the Year One and kindergarten students, the quirky equipment is part of what teachers consider one of their most important subjects - play.

Using op shop and kerbside finds, teachers have created their own toys for the school's 980 students after it included "play" as formal part of the school curriculum. The school is one of many public schools that could earn $10,000 in the Education Department's Our School's a Star program.

Deputy principal Jen Roberts said the school was an advocate for play-based learning and wanted to prepare its students for "the real world" with more time outside with their peers.

Ms Roberts said a giant game of Kerplunk, a doll bathing area and a mud pie kitchen are among the most popular pieces of play equipment that had been "upcycled" for the playground.

"We found that, since we've introduced these play rotations, the behaviour has improved dramatically in their learning because they're engaged and engrossed," she said.

The school is considering making play a bigger part of the school day for Years 2 to 6.