ST1 Orientation and Key Resources
Welcome to ST1 in Coventry and Warwickshire. This page provides the essential information you need for your first year of GP training. It reflects guidance from the RCGP curriculum, Gold Guide (10th edition, 2024) and West Midlands Deanery training structure.
Back to top
ST1 Overview
ST1 is your introduction to GP training. You will typically complete two hospital posts and your first GP placement. This year focuses on developing core clinical skills, reflective practice, early workplace-based assessments and understanding the breadth of general practice.
Key expectations in ST1 include:
- Developing reflective learning habits aligned with GMC and AoMRC guidance
- Completing workplace-based assessments (Mini-CEX, CEPS, CBDs) as required by RCGP WPBA
- Attending VTS teaching and participating in cluster-based learning
- Engaging with supervisors and maintaining regular educational meetings
- Preparing evidence for ARCP
Shared resources such as curriculum guides, acronyms and study guides are available under the Teaching tab.
ST1 Checklist
- Attend VTS teaching regularly (Half-Day Release - Currently: Thursday mornings)
- Complete learning logs throughout the year, demonstrating reflection and insight.
- Undertake CEPS, Mini-CEX and CBDs in hospital posts
- Complete Form R before ARCP
- Maintain an up-to-date PDP with SMART objectives.
- Meet regularly with your Clinical and Educational Supervisors
- Review WPBA requirements via the Exams tab
- Engage with the GP curriculum and map learning to capabilities
ST1 Timeline
GP training in the West Midlands follows a 36‑month programme with a 24/12 split: 24 months in General Practice and 12 months in secondary care. ST1 typically includes two hospital posts and one GP post.
Example ST1 rotation pattern:
- Months 1–4: Hospital post (Paediatrics, O&G, Psychiatry, A&E or similar)
- Months 5–8: Second hospital post (Mini-CEX, CEPS, CBDs continue)
- Months 9–12: First General Practice post (foundational consultation skills and continuity of care)
Learning in Hospital Posts
Hospital posts provide essential experience for GP training. The RCGP curriculum emphasises exposure to acute care, multidisciplinary working and developing transferable skills relevant to general practice.
Key learning opportunities include:
- Mini-CEX
- CEPS
- CBDs
- Acute care exposure
- Working with multidisciplinary teams
Curriculum guides for hospital posts are available under the Teaching tab.
Learning Logs
Learning logs are central to RCGP WPBA and demonstrate reflection, insight and progress. Logs should map to curriculum capabilities and show how your learning influences future practice.
Recommended frequency:
- 1–2 logs per week
- At least one clinical encounter
Logs should be reflective rather than descriptive, focusing on learning, impact and capability development.
Clinical Case Reviews (CCRs) MUST be clinical and based on case you have seen.
Reflective Writing
Reflection should follow GMC and Academy of Medical Royal Colleges guidance. These organisations emphasise that reflection is about learning, not self‑incrimination, and should focus on insight and future change.
A helpful structure (AoMRC reflective model):
- What happened?
- What did I learn?
- What will I do differently?
- How does this relate to GP training and curriculum capabilities?
Personal Development Plans (PDP)
PDPs should follow SMART principles and align with RCGP curriculum capabilities. Objectives should be reviewed regularly with your Educational Supervisor.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Learning logs can be linked to PDP entries in your ePortfolio.
They should not be based on mandatory training requirements - i.e. complete level 3 safegaurding training, or Pass the SCA.