Now the Progress+ curriculum is established, we have been reviewing the assessments and examinations. Dr Cathryn Chadwick, Vice President for Training and Assessment, tells us more about the background in her article, Assessment - the rationale for change.
We have also published an information and updates page where you’ll find the most up-to-date information about the assessment review. And, many of our trainee representatives have been involved to ensure that the trainee voice is central to any future plans.
Please be assured that while this review is happening it does not affect your current training. Please continue to use the current assessment strategy attached to the Progress+ assessment guide.
Piloting new and revised assessments
As part of this review, we will be piloting some new and revised assessment tools. We know that all changes must be carefully evaluated to ensure genuine improvement in paediatric training, and we'll be analysing these tools' impact on both the trainee and trainer;
Piloting of the Observed Assessment of Clinical Studies (OACS) starts this month July 2025. You'll find more details about the proposed assessment tool and the pilot for it can be found in assessment review - information and updates.
In due course, there will be pilots of other workplace-based assessments and examinations.
Each pilot exercise will be carried out by three or four regions across the four nations. Through feedback, we will evaluate the experience for trainees and trainers. The priority is ensuring equity, learning efficacy, and a pragmatic workload. As ever, each assessment and examination will be supported by guidance for both trainees and trainers.
The goal here is to make your training better. If you have any concerns, do get in touch with the Trainees Committee via your Regional Representative or Assessments Representative.