The High School Low Down with...Mrs Bhatia

Mrs Katy Bhatia is a teacher of French and German at our Senior School. Mrs Bhatia first started teaching at the High School in session 2003/04 (some former pupils may remember her as Miss McAllister) and she has played a key role in Senior School life ever since.

She was Assistant Housemistress for Moore house for many years and was in charge of organising the annual Transitus trip to Normandy for 10 years. Read on to find out more!

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Give us the low down: what was your path to the High School?

My teaching career began at Barrhead High, during this time I lived close to the High School and knew of its excellent reputation so when I saw a vacancy for a Modern Languages teacher advertised, I was very keen to apply.

I couldn’t quite believe it when the Rector at the time, Dr Robin Easton, called to offer me the job! I was absolutely over the moon and I still consider myself lucky to be here.
 

When did you know teaching was your calling?

I used to play "schools" all the time when I was young and I was always drawn to working with children. I loved languages at school and I had a wonderful German teacher, Mr Ross, whom I adored. When I completed my degree, I couldn't really see myself doing anything else...!
 

Tell us your biggest highlight at the High School so far?

There have been many...! What stands out for me are all the wonderful trips I've accompanied, from Raasay with Senior 1, to numerous exchanges with our partner schools in Lyon and Nuremberg. I've also been really fortunate to accompany ski trips to the USA and I led the Transitus Normandy Trip for 10 years. Every trip is memorable because you see the pupils in a totally different light and you are part of such an enriching experience for them.

I also had many wonderful years working as Assistant Housemistress in Moore alongside Mr MacCorquodale and this was an extremely rewarding role.
 

Describe yourself in 3 words

Friendly, fun and compassionate.
 

If you could take one movie or song to a desert island, what would it be? 

Songbird by Eva Cassidy.
 

Who or what inspires you most?

I want to make the most of my life and I suppose that is my inspiration!
 

What's one thing you hope to never forget?

The day each of my daughters were born.
 

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to someone?

Be grateful for what you have and make it all count. Life is precious.
 

And finally, give us your low down of the High School

The High School is so much more than just a school or just a place of work. It is a real community where everyone feels valued and everyone is encouraged to be the best that they can be. The positive relationships between pupils and all staff (not just teaching staff) are instrumental in creating the positive ethos that is very much apparent in the School.