Award winning tutor | Founder of Steps To Success Tutoring | Successful admissions to top schools across London e.g Tiffins, Alleyn’s, St Paul’s | Suitable for all levels of GCSE, 11+, A-Levels

Find out more about Shamsa

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

  I developed an interest in tutoring after being tutored myself. I struggled with grasping complex mathematical concepts in the classroom but through the support of my tutor, who simplified the topics for me, I managed to excel and perform highly academically. This experience inspired me to pursue 1:1 tutoring to help others who find learning in classroom settings difficult.

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

  The subjects I teach are Maths, English and I prepare students for entrance exams such as the 11+ or the SATs exams. My favourite topics to teach have to be any topics related to problem solving. It's very rewarding to see the student's face light up once they manage to find the solution for the problem.

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

  My role model was my English teacher. During our lessons she was very strict but firm but it wasn't until I completed my GCSEs that I learnt to appreciate her teaching style. Through her firmness, I performed very well and I went on to complete amazing achievements with the foundations she had helped me to set.

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

  To be a good tutor you have to be patient and resilient. Often, it can take student several sessions to be able to understand a topic that you're teaching and a good tutor should be able to support the student throughout this period. Another key quality is the ability to adapt to accommodate to all learners. Each student will have a different way to absorb information and a good tutor should be able to switch up their teaching techniques to make sure that the student is making the most out of their session.

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

  My favourite anecdote is "failure to prepare is preparing to fail" by Benjamin Franklin. It is an anecdote that is used to motivate schools pupils to prepare for their exams but can be applied to all aspects of adult life too. If you have not made adequate preparations for your journey or project, you are unlikely to succeed.

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

  A challenge I often face when teaching is trying not to get too excited once a student meets their goals. I enjoy watching students making progress in topics they once found challenging and can occasionally over-celebrate my tutees!

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

  Aside from tutoring, I have a passion for learning, travelling the world and sports (especially Netball).

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  What makes me a Superprof? Well, I think my profile speaks for itself!