Highly experienced A-level biology tutor, with over 25 years of teaching experience. Ten years of research experience and examiner. Specializing in cramming and exam techniques.

Find out more about Salma

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I am a reserch biochemist by profession and was working in a lab. I was offered a job in the prestigeous Aitchison Collge Lahore as head of science for the school, with amny perks. Aitchison college is Eton equivalent. It was easier to teach with a young family than to work long hours in the lab. I soon realized I loved it. I loved the sparkle in a student's eyes when they get a complex topic.
  
  I began private tutoring because many students who were not in my group at my college heard about me through my students and asked to be moved to my group, which wasn’t always possible. They asked me if I would teach them privately. Also, I have been teaching Easter and December revision courses in the college. Many students who attended these courses asked me to coach them.
  
  Now that my children have flown the nest I am free to travel. It’s easier to be a private tutor than to teach in a school or collage.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I like to discuss with students why they are studying biology and where they think it will lead them. Many students I teach want to study medicine without realising the commitment. I like to point to them the pros and cons of their chosen career. Being a biochemist, I love physiology and genetics. I am not too fond of ecology and since maths is not my strongest subject I am not keen on statistics, I admit this weakness to my students; having said that I tell them if I can do it you most certainly can!

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I had a little crush on my biology teacher, Mr Clark, as did most of the girls in our all girls school. But he was a great teacher and encouraged me to excel.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Listening to students, sussing out their weaknesses and helping them to overcome them. Explaining difficult concepts with everyday examples, encouraging, praising, motivating and getting students to reach their potential and beyond. Making students believe in themselves.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I began teaching in Pakistan in a very prestigious school elite boys' boys' boys'school (Aitchison College in Lahore). In my interview, the principal asked me to pretend to scold a boy. Since I am very loud I told him, Sir the day I scold someone, you won't have to be told about it, you will hear me in your office!
  
  In my interview for the job at Brampton College, I was asked to give a demo lesson. I asked, which topic and gave a lesson on the spot. Needless to say, I was offered the position on the spot.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  I teach whatever topic the student demands. Initially, it was difficult to teach some topics such as inheritance, and statistics on the spot, but over the years I take pride in being able to teach any topic, from any syllabus on demand

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  Besides teaching, I love to write. I have four biology books and a novel selling on Amazon. I am a good cook and I love gardening and travelling.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions)?

  My students tell me I am a great teacher. My references speak for themselves.