Teaching — Curriculum, Study Resources and WPBA
This Teaching hub is the canonical source for shared learning resources used across ST1, ST2 and ST3. It contains the Acronyms Glossary, Curriculum Guides, Study Guides (tagged by year), practical WPBA how‑to guidance, module presentations and timetable links.
Acronyms Glossary
This A→Z glossary explains common abbreviations used across the programme. Use it as the single reference for ST1–ST3 pages.
- AKT – Applied Knowledge Test
- ARCP – Annual Review of Competence Progression
- CBD – Case‑Based Discussion
- CATs – Care Assessment Tools (COTs, Mini‑CEXs, CBDs, CEPS)
- CEPS – Clinical Examination & Procedural Skills
- COT – Consultation Observation Tool
- ES – Educational Supervisor
- ESR – Educational Supervisor’s Report
- CSR – Clinical Supervisor’s Report
- MSF – Multi‑Source Feedback
- OOH / UUC – Out‑of‑Hours / Urgent & Unscheduled Care
- PSQ – Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire
- QIP – Quality Improvement Project
- RCA – Recorded Consultation Assessment
- SCA – Simulated Consultation Assessment
- WPBA – Workplace‑Based Assessment
Curriculum Guides & Quick Maps
Concise, deanery‑mapped summaries of the RCGP curriculum domains. Each quick–map shows the expected learning outcomes and suggested WPBA by year (ST1/ST2/ST3) for a clinical topic.
- Quick Map: Acute & Unscheduled Care (ST1–ST3) — one‑page PDF mapping WPBA and learning milestones.
- Quick Map: Long–term Conditions & Chronic Disease (ST1–ST3)
- Quick Map: Mental Health & Complex Care (ST1–ST3)
- RCGP Curriculum (official) — link to the RCGP site for full curriculum text.
Quick maps are local interpretations to help trainees and supervisors plan WPBA and learning. They do not replace the RCGP curriculum; they show how the deanery expects capability progression across placements.
Study Guides and Resources
Curated resources, recommended reading and question banks.
ST1
- Focus: consultation basics, clinical reasoning, reflective practice.
- ST1 Starter Pack — EBM primer, clinical topic primers, reflective writing examples.
ST2
- Focus: AKT foundations, applied EBM, SCA awareness.
- ST2 Study Pack — recommended question banks, study timetables, EBM refreshers.
ST3
- Focus: AKT consolidation, SCA practice, transition to practice.
- ST3 Exam & Transition Pack — SCA toolkits, mock SCA schedules, job application resources (linked to Newly Qualified).
WPBA How‑to: CEPS, Mini‑CEX, CBDs
This practical guide explains what counts as WPBA evidence, how to complete high‑quality entries, and common pitfalls at ARCP. It summarises RCGP WPBA expectations and local deanery practice.
- WPBA Overview (what, why, how) — counts, minimums, mapping to curriculum capabilities.
- CEPS How‑to — when to use CEPS, example templates, supervisor prompts.
- Mini‑CEX Guide — observation tips, scoring, feedback examples.
- CBD Guide — case selection, reflective prompts, evidence of learning.
Practical tips: aim for clear learning outcomes, specific feedback, and an action plan in each WPBA entry. Supervisors should sign off only when competence is demonstrated; Educational Supervisors will review progression at ARCP.
VTS Modules & Presentations
Module pages contain slide decks, handouts and recorded sessions where available. Trainees must log in to access restricted materials.
NB: Recorded sessions: where available, recordings are linked from each module page (access controlled).
Official teaching timetables can be found here.
Timetables are updated termly. If you notice a discrepancy with local rotas, contact VTS admin immediately.
Curriculum Quick‑Maps (Downloads)
One‑page PDFs that map topic → expected WPBA → suggested learning activities by year. Use these when planning placements and PDPs.
- Acute & Unscheduled Care — Quick Map (PDF)
- Long‑term Conditions — Quick Map (PDF)
- Mental Health — Quick Map (PDF)
Governance, Sources and Further Reading
This hub summarises and interprets guidance from the following authoritative sources. Always refer to the original documents for formal policy:
- Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) — curriculum, WPBA and exam guidance
- Gold Guide (current edition) — training programme design and ARCP requirements
- GMC guidance on reflection and professional development
- West Midlands Deanery local guidance and study leave policy