About

I am a full-time primary school teacher with core subject leadership responsibilities (STEM Leader) within inner-city Birmingham undertaking part-time doctoral studies at the University of Derby, researching the impact of teaching strategies to enhance social cognition within young children. 

My passion in this research area was fuelled by my undergraduate research project when investigating concept cartoon use in primary science lessons to develop theory of mind abilities in Year One children, being the sole author of two peer-reviewed papers from this project. This led me to used evidence-based practice throughout my teaching career.

I enjoy taking the time, working with children across the school, to promote environmental awareness and develop their understanding of climate change, promoting Science Capital. This also includes celebrating international initiatives such as Women in STEM, Space Week and Earth Day to (hopefully) inspire scientists, engineers and mathematicians of the future.   

Thesis title 

A Pedagogical Tool to Develop Theory of Mind in Young Children. 

Supervisor/s

• Director of Studies: Dr Sophie Jackson
• First supervisor: Dr Christopher Barnes 

Teaching responsibilities

Currently teaching the Primary National Curriculum to Year Four pupils full-time at an inner-city primary school (Birmingham City Council) whilst undertaking STEM leadership responsibilities, including Mathematics, Computing and Design & Technology subject coordination. 

Membership of professional bodies

• MBPsS: Graduate Membership to the British Psychological Society (2021)
• Design and Technology Association (2021)
• MCCT: Membership of Chartered College of Teaching (2020)
• Association for Science Education (2019)
• QTS Induction (2018)
• Qualified Teacher Status (2017) – TRN: 1543021
• MTLA: Teaching and Learning Academy (Recognition 2) (2015)

Qualifications

• MSc Psychology, University of Derby, Distinction
• BA (Hons) Primary Education (Science Specialism) with Qualified Teacher Status, First Class Honours
• Level Five Teaching & Learning Academy (Recognition Two)

Recent conferences

Woolman, C. (2021, January 23). The Impact of the Yoni task as a measure of Theory of Mind on Executive Functions. Online Psychology Student Research and Careers Conference, University of Derby

Recent publications

• Woolman, C. (2021). Promoting environmental awareness: a whole school approach. Environmental Education, 127, 10-11
• Woolman, C. (2019, November 29). The wonder of 'What If' Reasoning in Primary Science. Times Education Supplement, 34-36
• Woolman, C. (2018). ‘Mindreading’ from primary science: using concept cartoons to develop theory of mind in 5-6-year-olds – a pilot study. Education 3-13: International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education, 47(4), 395-409 
• Woolman, C. (2017). Developing 5-6 Year olds’ social competence using concept cartoons: a neurocognitive approach. Journal of Applied Psychology and Social Science, 3(2), 90-123