2021 Curriculum - managing progress

Assessment Guidance

The Assessment Guidance describes the overarching programme of assessment for the 2021 Curriculum and introduces the key components of the new training programme in Anaesthetics.  The programme of assessment defines both formative and summative elements of the new approach to assessment.

You can access the Assessment Guidance here.

Assessment philosophy

Many of the assessment types will be familiar to many anaesthetists who have had involvement with the anaesthetics training programme over the last 10 years. However, there has been a shift in the philosophy around assessment. By emphasising the application of a reflective cycle and exploring performance through conversations with supervisors, anaesthetists in training will be able to develop a more meaningful way to navigate the path to independent practice.

The philosophy underpinning the assessment strategy has been outlined in the article Supporting Progress published on pages 34 and 35 of the March 2021 issue of the Bulletin.

Listen to our podcasts about the changes to assessments:

The assessment strategy

The assessment strategy comprises the rationale for, and content of the RCoA programme of assessment for the new curriculum and draws on the strengths of previous strategies with some development of existing, effective assessment practices.

This document outlines the purpose of the assessments and the mechanisms by which their on-going validity are ensured and should be read in conjunction with the 2021 Curriculum document.

You can access the Assessment Strategy here.

If you would like to contact us, you can email the Anaesthetics Curriculum and Equivalence Team on training@rcoa.ac.uk or call on 020 7092 1550.

Please let us know what you think. If you feel the information on this page could be improved, please get in touch with us.

Last reviewed: 31 December 2022
Next review due: 1 January 2024