Brett Dascombe

Brett Dascombe, an innovative educator from Queensland, Australia, has revolutionized the teaching of geography through the integration of advanced geospatial technologies. With over 24 years of experience, Brett's teaching journey reflects his passion for equipping students with 21st-century skills, inspiring academic excellence, and fostering global citizenship. 

Brett’s career began in 2001, driven by his admiration for a high school teacher and his mother, a teacher's aide. After initially leaving school due to financial challenges, he found his way back to education in his 30s, earning a double degree with distinction. His personal journey has shaped his belief that all learners, regardless of their stage in life, possess untapped potential. 

At Wavell State High School in Brisbane, Brett has been instrumental in embedding geospatial technologies like GIS, drones, and remote sensing data into the geography curriculum. Under his leadership, students engage in real-world, project-based learning that integrates cutting-edge tools and data, enhancing their understanding of environmental, urban, and global issues. His innovative classroom practices have consistently yielded results, with senior geography students outperforming state averages in internal assessments.  

Brett's advocacy for interactive assessments has brought transformative changes to Queensland’s traditional education system. He successfully collaborated with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority to introduce modern geospatial tools into senior geography assessments. This milestone not only improved academic outcomes but also set a precedent for integrating geospatial technology in classrooms statewide. 

The impact of Brett’s work extends beyond his own students. Since 2021, over 150 teachers and 100 schools have benefited from his professional development programs. He has shared his expertise through bespoke datasets, classroom resources, and workshops, enabling educators to adopt geospatial tools in diverse subjects like history, design, and economics. Brett also visits schools to provide hands-on training, empowering teachers and students alike to embrace technology in education.  

Brett’s commitment to fostering global citizenship has inspired students to address critical global issues. Notable projects include collaborations with Nauru Secondary School and award-winning entries in the National Geographic/ESRI StoryMap Challenge. His students have earned recognition for sustainable urban planning, environmental restoration, and climate change initiatives, with some securing prestigious internships and global opportunities. 

Beyond his classroom, Brett actively engages with industry leaders, tertiary institutions, and community organizations. His development of relationships with companies like ESRI andSheMaps and industry bodies like the Planning Institute of Australia have provided students with access to state-of-the-art technology, opportunities and mentorship. Through initiatives like The Surveyors Trust Luncheon and conference presentations, Brett has showcased his students’ exceptional work, bridging the gap between education and industry. 

Brett’s dedication has earned him prestigious accolades including the 2023 Australian Schools Plus Fellowship, the Peter Doherty STEM Award, and the Queensland Department of Education Showcase Award for Excellence in Teaching. These honours underscore his contributions to advancing the teaching profession and his tireless efforts to inspire lifelong learning in his students and peers.   

As Brett Dascombe continues to share his insightful use of the latest technology and to lead with passion and innovation, he exemplifies how education can best transform lives and empower the next generation of global citizens.