ST2 Orientation and Key Resources
Welcome to ST2 in Coventry and Warwickshire. This page contains ST2‑specific guidance and links to central resources.
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ST2 Overview
ST2 builds on ST1 foundations and prepares you for extended general practice attachments and early exam preparation. Typical aims for ST2 include consolidation of clinical decision making, increased continuity of care in GP placements, beginning focused AKT preparation and engaging with quality improvement activity where appropriate.
ST2 Checklist
- Attend VTS teaching regularly
- Plan AKT study schedule and begin question practice
- Complete required WPBA items (CEPS, Mini‑CEX, CBDs) mapped to curriculum capabilities
- Start or contribute to a small QIP if appropriate (see WPBA page)
- Maintain learning logs and link them to PDP objectives
- Ensure Form R and ARCP paperwork are up to date
- Engage with UUC/OOH learning requirements
ST2 Timeline
ST2 typically follows the deanery 24/12 model (24 months in GP across the programme). A common ST2 pattern is one 4‑month hospital/community attachment and an extended 8‑month GP placement. Local schemes may offer flexible or integrated training posts.
- Months 1–4: Hospital or community placement (focused clinical skills, WPBA)
- Months 5–12: Extended GP placement (continuity of care, chronic disease management, practice responsibilities)
Learning Logs
Continue regular reflective logs. In ST2, focus on demonstrating progression from ST1: clearer learning outcomes, evidence of changed practice and mapping to curriculum capabilities. Link logs to PDP objectives and WPBA evidence where appropriate.
- Recommended frequency: 1–2 reflective entries per week
- Ensure entries are analytical and show impact on practice
AKT Preparation (ST2)
ST2 is the usual time to begin structured AKT preparation. Focus on building a study plan, practising question banks and consolidating evidence‑based medicine skills.
- Create a weekly study timetable balancing clinical duties and revision
- Use question banks regularly and review explanations
- Map weaker topics to the RCGP curriculum and target them in PDP objectives
- Use VTS teaching sessions to cover high‑yield topics
SCA Awareness
Although the SCA is taken in ST3, ST2 is the ideal time to develop consultation structure, explanation skills and shared decision making. Use workplace encounters to practise structured consultations and record CEPS where relevant.
- Practice a clear consultation structure and explanation framework
- Seek targeted feedback from supervisors on communication and clinical reasoning
- Record reflective logs that capture consultation learning points
Urgent & Unscheduled Care (UUC / OOH)
ST2 trainees should engage with UUC/OOH learning objectives. This includes triage, acute presentations, home visits and working within OOH teams. Ensure any OOH experience is documented in WPBA and linked to curriculum capabilities.
For detailed trainee guidance on UUC, see the Exams and Teaching tabs which link to RCGP UUC guidance.
Personal Development Plans (PDP)
Maintain SMART PDP objectives and review them regularly with your Educational Supervisor. In ST2, PDPs should increasingly focus on exam preparation, continuity of care goals and leadership/quality improvement skills.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time‑bound
Mandatory Surveys
The GMC National Training Survey is the annual mandatory survey. Complete it when prompted; your feedback helps improve training quality. The deanery will notify you when the survey is open.
Links to Shared Resources