Resources to promote psychiatry to school students and sixth-formers
Please use the resources and advice below to help school students and sixth formers understand more about career in psychiatry.
Hold a school talk or workshop
You can use the following resources to aid a discussion or workshop with students.
Slides
Below are two presentations that can be used for talks/assemblies for school students:
Video - The life of a psychiatrist
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, a former president of the Royal College, talks about the life of a psychiatrist and gives a glimpse into his career as a psychiatrist who is highly respected in the field.
Video - Why psychiatry matters
A short film in which medical students interview GPs and other doctors about how much psychiatry is involved in their areas of work
Work experience
Work experience is a great way for students to improve their knowledge and understanding of psychiatry. It will:
- Give them the opportunity to develop skills and qualities which are needed to become a psychiatrist e.g. communication, teamwork and problem solving
- Provide good experience to include on application forms and interviews and help improve prospects for entry to higher education
- Increase self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence in the workplace
There are many hospitals throughout the UK that offer work experience to Year 10/11 students, sixth formers and medical students. (We’re not responsible for organising work placements)
Students can find out what’s available by contacting their local hospital or mental health trust directly.
Let them know about summer schools
Summer Schools are a fantastic opportunity for students to find out more about psychiatry.
Careers materials
If you wish to help us promote psychiatry using RCPsych careers resources, please contact our careers team.