As someone who studied Classics to doctoral level at Trinity College Dublin and Oxford, I have never encountered an instructor who has so comprehensively mastered an ancient language as Stephen. When one considers that a Semitic language such as Biblical Hebrew is so much more difficult and alien than the Latin and Greek that I had previously learned, Stephen's expertise is all the more impressive. To his depth of linguistic knowledge, Stephen adds an unfailing patience, preparedness, and professionalism. For Biblical Hebrew tuition of the highest standard, look no further!
– Dr Iarla Manny (student 2019-2020)
I studied German at University, and I now work professionally with this language as a translator. Hebrew is the first Semitic language I have taken. When I started, I found a first-year grammar and started teaching myself, but found the going quite slow. Stephen considerably accelerated my learning, enabling me to quickly cover the basics, gain confidence with more complicated grammar, complete the textbook and within a few months start on actual texts…Whether translating from Hebrew to English, or English to Hebrew, the depth of Stephen’s university teaching experience shines through at all times, as well as his love for the language and pleasure in teaching it.
– Jonathan Spink (student 2017-present)
“I have studied Biblical Hebrew with Stephen for over two years and have found him to be a consistently excellent teacher. I started as a beginner and he gave me a thorough grounding while being hugely patient and encouraging. I am enjoying studying the Hebrew Bible with him now and continue to learn much from his deep knowledge and enthusiasm. If you want to learn or improve your Biblical Hebrew I can strongly recommend Stephen.”
– Dr Paul Gatenby (student 2017-present)
Stephen is truly an expert in the Hebrew language who communicates complex grammatical concepts and rules with great clarity. Stephen's teaching style is conducive to meeting the student where he/she is at the moment. He adjusts his teaching approach, accordingly, for maximum learning on behalf of the student. I highly recommend Stephen for anyone who desires to master the basics and read the Hebrew Bible with an insightful and nuanced level of understanding of the language and historical background.
- Jean H. (student 2019-2021)
Stephen is an enthusiastic and highly-skilled tutor. He has been supportive, patient and flexible in allowing me to progress at my own speed since my study began. Outside of the engaging tutorials, he shows great commitment in making himself available to answer questions and in giving quick feedback on work. As I have now transitioned from learning grammar to reading Hebrew Bible narratives, I am very much enjoying the commentary and discussion on the text that he provides. Highly recommended.
- Simon Cloudesley (student 2018-present)