Inspired by his Year 9 Science teacher, Mr Carmelo Fedele is now Head of Sustainability, Head of Philosophy, and Humanities teacher at International Grammar School in Sydney.
WhichSchool?: When did you commence in your position/role at the school?
Mr Fedele: I arrived at IGS in the summer of 2016 as a HSIE teacher, largely to introduce the commerce course. Since then I have been a Head of Year, Head of Sustainability and now also Head of Philosophy.
WS: What are the top three highlights you’ve experienced as a teacher at the school?
Mr Fedele: The best thing about being a teacher is when former students get in touch to share what they’re up to. One of my geography students, for example—Hunter Forbes—is now a PhD student at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), researching the macroecology of Australian kelp forests as part of the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership.
Another highlight was when IGS was awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag—an achievement that marked the culmination of years of sustainability work by dozens of students, staff, and parents.
A third highlight was watching my students facilitate the Climate Fresk workshop for their teachers and parents. Seeing them step into leadership roles—confidently guiding adults through complex climate science—was both humbling and inspiring.
WS: What makes the school different from other schools?
Mr Fedele: IGS is truly unique. There aren’t many secular, co-ed independent schools in Sydney—fewer still with a language program like ours. But for me, IGS has been a place where I’ve had countless opportunities to share my interests and passions, both through the curriculum and beyond. Whether it’s my role in sustainability, my work in philosophy, or the trips I’ve facilitated, I’ve been able to help shape meaningful experiences for students and see their learning come to life.
WS: Why is the school a great place to teach?
Mr Fedele: It’s the people that make IGS a great place to teach. I work with wonderful colleagues, and the students are curious, engaged, and always bring fresh perspectives to the classroom. It is a very diverse community, and that diversity enriches everything we do.
WS: What are some of the challenges faced by teachers in the primary/secondary sector?
Mr Fedele: The first challenge that comes to mind is technology. Navigating technological change has long been a challenge for both the education sector and society more broadly. I’ve lived through the emergence of computing, the internet, portable devices, social media, and now AI. With each wave of innovation, we’ve had to adapt—embracing incredible advancements while grappling with the unforeseen challenges they bring to our classrooms, playgrounds, and beyond.
WS: Tell us about your approach or philosophy to teaching.
Mr Fedele: The principal of the first school I worked in once told me, “Students don’t care what you know until they know you care.” Those words have stayed with me throughout my teaching career. There’s a lot I could say about my approach to teaching, but at its core, it starts with building rapport, and learning happens as long as you can maintain engagement.
WS: Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Tell us about them, and how they inspired you.
Mr Fedele: My Year 9 Science teacher inspired me. He was a fascinating man, clearly passionate about science, but what made him truly memorable was that he saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognised. He helped me realise that with my best effort, I could succeed. I hope that I can do the same for my students.
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