At Anima Gymnastics Club in Barnet, we are constantly reviewing and refining our programme to offer the best possible experience for our young athletes. As part of this ongoing process, we are updating our gymnastics class assessments to introduce higher standards and clearer expectations for progression.
These changes are designed to benefit our gymnasts in the long term, helping them build strong foundations and achieve success at every stage of their gymnastics journey.
Why We’re Updating Our Gymnastics Assessments
Over time, we’ve noticed that many gymnasts are progressing through class levels before fully mastering essential skills. While this shows great enthusiasm, it can sometimes lead to gaps in strength, technique, and confidence later on.
By raising the bar for class assessments, we aim to:
- Encourage consistent progress and skill development
- Promote safer training through better technique and preparation
- Ensure appropriate challenges at each level
- Create clearer distinctions between class groups
These changes reflect our long-term commitment to high-quality gymnastics coaching in Barnet and will help every gymnast achieve success at a pace that supports their physical and mental development.
Who Will Be Affected by This Change?
This update will only affect gymnasts who are looking to move up into the next class level.
If your child is already in a class, they will not be reassessed straight away. We understand that this is a big shift, so we are introducing a transition period:
All current gymnasts will have until January 2026 to reach the new standard for their class before we reassess whether they are in the right level.
This gives everyone time to adjust, grow, and work towards the new expectations with support from our coaching team.
New Assessment Criteria by Class Level
To help you understand what’s changing, we’ve included a full breakdown of the current vs. new assessments for each level. These changes will only apply to gymnasts being considered for promotion.
🔵 Beginners to Novice
- Current Assessment:
- Forward roll to straddle stand
- Backward roll
- Cartwheel
- Handstand
- Straight jump onto block
- Squat on vault
- Half turn jump off vault
- New Assessment:
- Forward roll to straddle stand
- Backward roll
- Cartwheel
- Handstand
- Straight jump onto block
- Half turn jump off block
- Squat through/Straddle over
🟢 Novice to Intermediate
- Current Assessment:
- Handstand forward roll
- Backward roll to front support
- Front limber
- Backbend
- Bridge kickover
- Round off
- Handstand Flatback
- Full turn jump off vault
- New Assessment:
- Handstand forward roll
- Backward roll to front support
- Front limber
- Backward walkover
- Round off
- Handstand hop flatback
- Full turn jump off vault
🔴 Intermediate to Advanced
- Current Assessment:
- Forward walkover
- Backward walkover
- Handstand hop flatback
- Handspring off table vault
- New Assessment:
- Forward walkover
- Handspring
- Back flick
- Handspring onto stacked mats
- Handspring over table vault
These changes reflect the kind of progress we want to see to make sure each gymnast is ready for the challenges of the next level.
Changes are highlighted in red
Our Promise to Parents and Gymnasts
This isn’t just about setting higher expectations — it’s about giving every child the tools and time to reach them. Over the next year, our coaches will be:
- Offering clear, progressive drills tailored to each level
- Providing ongoing feedback and encouragement
- Supporting gymnasts through the transition with patience and care
We believe this new structure will create a more supportive, consistent, and rewarding experience for all.
Have Questions?
If you’d like to speak to us about your child’s progress or what these changes might mean for their class, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us via email or speak directly to your child’s coach after class.
Thank you for being part of the Anima Gymnastics community — we look forward to seeing our gymnasts continue to grow and thrive.