Catriona Robinson

Catriona Robinson

Head of Institute of Education

Institute of Education

Head of Institute

Contact Details

email: catriona.robinson@worc.ac.uk
tel: 01905 855467

Prior to joining the University, Catriona was a class teacher within the primary school sector. She was subject lead for her specialisms in music and mathematics. During this period, Catriona became Assistant Head Teacher followed by Acting Deputy Head Teacher. In her senior leadership role, she secured a Leading Aspect Award for raising awareness of racial equality and cultural diversity in a local primary school.       

Since 2004 when she joined the university, Catriona has undertaken a range of roles including leading Primary Music. From 2006 to 2011 she was Course Leader for the Graduate Teacher Programme (Primary), and in parallel took on the Course Leadership of Graduate Teacher Programme (Secondary) from 2010 until 2011. Whilst leading this course, Ofsted judged the provision ‘Outstanding’. Catriona then went on to successfully lead the Assessment Only Route (Primary and Secondary) from 2012 - 2014. Her other leadership roles have included Primary Partnership Manager, Acting Head of Primary Strategic Partnership, University Joint Honours Coordinator, Associate Head and then Deputy Head of School of Education.

In 2018, Catriona became College Director for Learning, Teaching and Quality for the Schools of Art, Education and Humanities. Working closely with Heads of Schools and School Senior Management Teams, Catriona led and supported implementation of University strategy, regulations and policy related to learning, teaching and quality management across the College. She supported curriculum development, sat on a range of University wide committees, chaired the College Learning, Teaching and Quality Enhancement Committee and worked closely with Student Union to promote student voice.

In 2021, Catriona was appointed to the position of Head of Institute of Education. She has a longstanding passion for teacher education and is interested in all aspects of leadership and management in education. Her most notable success was in 2023, when she led the Institute of Education through their Initial Teacher Education Ofsted inspection which was rated as ‘Outstanding’ for Primary and Secondary Initial Teacher Education and ‘Good’ for FES.  Catriona is a member of the University Leadership Group, College Executive Committee and chair’s the Institute Senior Management and Leadership Committees. 

Qualifications

  • Currently studying for an EdD in Learning, Leadership and Policy (LLP) at the University of Bristol
  • MA in Education
  • PG Cert in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
  • Cert in Mathematics (Open)
  • B.A. Ed (Hons) In-service with QTS

Learn Upon Training completed

  • Safer Recruitment
  • Introduction to the Prevent Duty as it affects Higher Education
  • Safeguarding Essentials

Teaching & Research

Teaching Interests

  • University Diploma in Private Tutoring
  • PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PG Cert)

Research Interests

  • Phenomenography
  • Learning, leadership & policy
  • Teacher Education
  • Class
  • Teacher Education
  • Mentoring and coaching

Professional Bodies

  • 2014 – Present: Fellow of College of Teachers (FCollT)
  • 2012 – Present: British Educational Research Association (BERA) 
  • 2011 – Present: Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA) 
  • 2014 – 2016: British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (BAPSCAN) 
  • 2013 – 2016: British Educational Leadership Management and Administration Society (BELMAS) 
  • 2013 – 2017: National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) 
  • 2012 – 2018: National College for School Leadership (NCSL) 
  • 2011 – 2015: Association for Teacher Education in Europe (ATEE) 
  • 2007 – 2015: National Centre of Excellent Teachers of Mathematics (NCETM)
  • 2006 – 2010: European Teacher Education Network (ETEN) 
  • 2005 – 2015: Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) 
  • 2004 – 2018: Universities’ Council for the Education of Teachers
  • 2004 – 2012: West Midlands tutor network for ITT mathematics

Publications

McLoone-Richards, C., & Robinson, C., (2020) ‘I know I am Just a Student but’: the challenges for educators in supporting students to develop their advocacy skills in protecting children. Early Years, https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2020.1749036

Howard, C., & Robinson, C., (2018) Behaviour Management and Classroom Discipline In Barry Hymer and Karen Lockney (Ed) (2018) Critical Reflections on Themes and Issues in Primary Education. St Albans, Critical Publishing.

Bowen-Jones, W., Greer, S., Lawson, S., Nisbet, C., Robinson, C., and Scott, H., (2018) An Institutional Review of the Course Leader Role. HEIR Network, Number 9, June 2018.

Bingle, B., Howard, C., Kington, K., & Robinson, C., (2017) Tales for the Watershed: Using repertory grids in the study of teachers’ mid-career identity. In D.A. Winter, P. Cummins, H. Procter, and N. Reed, (eds.) (2017). Personal Construct Psychology at 60: Past, Present and Future. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Press.

Robinson, C., Bingle, B., & Howard, C., (2016) Surviving and Thriving as a Primary NQT. Northwich, Critical Publishing. https://www.criticalpublishing.com/surviving-and-thriving-as-a-primary-nqt

Robinson, C., Bingle, B., & Howard, C., (2015) Your Primary School-based Experience: A Guide to Outstanding Placements. 2nd ed. Northwich, Critical Publishing. https://www.criticalpublishing.com/your-primary-school-based-experience

Robinson, C., Bingle, B., & Howard, C., (2013) Primary School Placements: a critical guide to outstanding teaching. Northwich, Critical Publishing.

Hughes, S., Bingle, B., Crabtree, H., Irving, S., Perrigo, A., Robinson, C., Stanton, J., Watson, R., and Whittenbury, J., (2011) Mentoring and Coaching Stories – the Learning Journeys of Lecturers Undertaking Post Graduate Study in Mentoring and Coaching. Worcester Journal of Learning and Teaching (6).

Kelly-Freer, T., and Robinson, C., (2006) Design and Technology: Current Themes and Trends in Primary Education. JETEN, 2 (1), pp. 29 – 42.

Research and Project grants

Principal investigator 

2009 – 2011 E-learning research grant: Development of control technology in Initial Teacher Training (EBITT) 

Co-investigator 

2016 Course Leaders University Project

2014 – 2016 Tales from the Watershed: Developing Identities of Mid-career Primary School Teachers 

2011 – 2013 Advisor for e-learning research grant: Using ICT to support Music Education

Staff Development Presentations

Robinson, C., & Whitehouse, K., (2018) New to External Examining. University of Worcester, 22nd May.

Robinson, C., (2018) Understanding the UW ‘Education and Teaching’ subject metrics. UW Institute of Education, 20th April. 

Robinson, C., (2018) The Quality of Learning and Teaching. UW Institute of Education, 4th September. 

Robinson, C., & Whitehouse, K., (2018) The role of, and how to become an external examiner. University of Worcester, 16th and 29th January. 

Robinson, C., & Stowell, M., (2018) External Examiner Induction: A year in the life of… University of Worcester, 4th January. 

Robinson, C., (2017) Writing the AER: Using data effectively and evaluative approaches. UW HE Managers Forum, 7th June. 

Stowell, M., Robinson, C., & Zandbeek, J., (2017) Mapping Learning Outcomes & Setting Standards: A Practical Workshop. University of Worcester, 16th February. 

Robinson, C., (2017) ISES Introduction to Learning Gain. University of Worcester, 10th January. 

Robinson, C., (2016) IoE Introduction to Learning Gain. University of Worcester, 22nd November. 

Robinson, C., (2016) Transition from percentage marking to grades for post graduate assessments under the Taught Course Regulatory Framework. University of Worcester, June – July.

Robinson, C., (2016) EYITT and Ofsted. University of Worcester, 13th May. 

Robinson, C., (2016) Preparing for the Teacher Excellence Framework. University of Worcester, 22nd April.

Robinson, C., (2015) Priorities for Quality. University of Worcester, 4th September. 

Robinson, C., (2015) Students at the Heart of IoE Provision. University of Worcester, 12th March. 

Robinson, C., (2014) DBS: An update for staff. University of Worcester, 28th April. 

Robinson C., & Richards C., (2013) ‘Safeguarding’ the future business of IoE. University of Worcester, 3rd September. 

Robinson, C., &  Johnson, T., (2013) Embedding Learning Technologies into Practice. University of Worcester, 11th May. 

Robinson, C., & Scott, I., (2013) Becoming an External Examiner. University of Worcester, 29th January.

Robinson, C., (2012) Improving the Student Experience through Enhanced Employability Opportunities, 26th October. 

Robinson, C., (2012) Roles and Nature of a Course Leader. University of Worcester, 23rd October. 

Robinson, C., (2012) Creative & Innovative External Practice. University of Worcester, 6th July. 

Robinson, C., (2011) Roles and Nature of a Course Leader. University of Worcester, 22nd October. 

Robinson, C., (2011) Data, trends and the Self Evaluation Document (SED): transforming Annual Evaluation Reports (AERs). University of Worcester, 24th June. 

Robinson, C., (2011) ‘Opening Pandora’s Box?’ Using social networking to enhance teaching, learning and more. University of Worcester, 8th September. 

Robinson, C., (2011) Using Statistical Data in the SED (Self-Evaluation Document) to Monitor Progress; investigate trends and identify future developments. 24th June.




External Roles

External Committees/Forums

  • 2021 – present Teacher Education Advisory Group attendee
  • 2021 – present West Midlands Deans
  • 2021 – 2022 Millionplus Deans
  • 2016 - 2018: Universities Council for the Education of Teachers (UCET) (Management Committee)
  • 2016: Chair of Inside Government: The Changing Role of Local Authorities, Manchester.
  • 2013-2017: Chair of UCET Assessment Only Route Committee
  • 2009 - 2012: Vice-chair of TDA Quality and Inspection ITT Midlands 1 Regional Network

Editorial Boards and Reviewing

  • 2018: Special Validation External Panel Member for MA/MFA Professional Voice Studies and MA Drama Writing Event with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS). UWE Faculties of Arts, Creative Industries and Education.
  • 2017: Curriculum Approval Panel Reviewer. UWE Faculties of Arts, Creative Industries and Education
  • 2015 - 2018: Reviewer for Universal Journal of Education Research
  • 2014: Reviewer for British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (BASPCAN)
  • 2013: Reviewer for Management in Education (MIE)
  • 2013: Reviewer for Educational Management Administration & Leadership (EMAL)
  • 2013: Reviewer for BERA
  • 2013: Higher Education Academy (HEA) reviewer for Collaborative Teaching Development Grants for flexible learning or assessment and feedback (£60,000)
  • 2012: Higher Education Academy (HEA) reviewer for Individual Teaching Development Grants for enhancing student experience (£7,000)
  • 2011: Higher Education Academy (HEA) reviewer for Teaching Development Grants (TDG) in internationalisation and employability (£30,000)

External Examining

  • 2019 - 2022 External Examiner for University of Greenwich BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (5 -11years)
  • 2018 - 2022: Chief External Examiner for University of Brighton BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (5-11years)
  • 2013 - 2016: External examiner for Institute of Education (London) Primary PGCE
  • 2013 - 2016: External examiner for Goldsmiths Primary PGCE
  • 2010 - 2013: External examiner for Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln Primary GTP and PGCE
  • 2010 - 12: External examiner for STORM Primary GTP
  • 2006 - 11: External examiner for University of Brighton Primary GTP

External advisor

  • 2014 - Present: Expert advisor to Education Social Research Council (ESRC) Data Network Approvals Panel
  • 2013: External panel member for University of Cumbria School Direct Valediction & course approval
  • 2012: External panel member for University of Bedfordshire Thames Primary SCITT Consortium course review
  • 2012: External panel member for University of Bedfordshire Chiltern Training Group Secondary SCITT Course review and course approval

Other External Responsibilities

  • 2021 – Present: Trustee of Four Stones Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)
  • 2011 - 2018: CEOP Ambassador (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
  • 2009 - 2016: STEM Ambassador (Mathematics)
  • 2008 - 2015: Primary School Governor (Mathematics) & Chair of Learning and Teaching Committee