A BARRHEAD teacher has been left humbled after discovering he has inspired a former pupil to pursue a career in the classroom.

Peter Mullan has taught in the town ever since he completed his probationary year at Cross Arthurlie Primary, before landing his current role at Carlibar Primary a decade ago.

Having taught one class at Carlibar from primary three all the way to the end of school, he built up a strong bond with many of the pupils – leaving a lasting impression on them.

Now one former student, 17-year-old Amy Tasker, aims to follow in Peter’s footsteps by becoming a teacher.

Amy, who is in sixth year at Barrhead High, puts that ambition down to her inspirational primary teacher.

She told the Barrhead News: “Mr Mullan was always so good with our class and the way he taught really inspired me. He was so positive and made everything so much fun and light-hearted.

“When you were feeling a little down, he brought you back up and he always believed in you.

“The main thing I’d take from his teaching style is just how much he believed in all his pupils and made sure that you did achieve.

“I want to bring that positive attitude to my career and help every child to achieve.”

Peter, 40, said he is confident that Amy will go on to enjoy a successful career in the teaching industry.

He added: “Amy always said she wanted to go down the teaching route and I’m delighted to see she’s still focused on that path.

“Amy always tried her best at everything she did and was very confident. You could see her leadership skills from a young age.

“I had a great relationship with that class, given I taught them for so many years, and some of them had kept in touch from time to time, so to hear that Amy’s experiences whilst at Carlibar have led her to consider a career in teaching is really very touching.

“I got into teaching to inspire young people to do the best they can and to achieve. It’s not just about maths, numbers and letters – it’s about inspiring people to go on to achieve in whatever they choose to do in life.

“As a school, we will support Amy as much as we can to provide her with work experience as she considers her future career.

“It would certainly make me feel very old if she were to be back in my classroom – but this time not as a pupil.”

Dad-of-two Peter believes his early experiences of teaching in Barrhead during his probationary year has led to a strong affinity with the town.

He said: “Carlibar is the place for me to work – it just feels like home. The children are great and you get to build a real relationship.

“The school fits with how I like to teach and inspire children through providing that positive role model. In this school, it feels like you’re making a big difference to the children in the area.”