Established in 1979 by the Australian Society of Calisthenics, the Cali Skills Program helps students master calisthenics through learning terminology and technique while promoting safe, age-appropriate movement. The syllabus is taught in over 200 clubs across Australia, supporting more than 2,000 students each year with a focus on progress and enjoyment while maintaining high national standards to support your child's journey.
The syllabus helps students develop:
- Fitness
- Flexibility
- Coordination and Rhythm
- Sense of Achievement
- Musicality
- Deportment and Poise
- Self-Esteem and Self-Discipline
West Coast provides weekly prep classes during Term 4 for girls preparing for Cali Skills exams. These classes are integrated into regular class times, and are in addition to a mandatory CAWA class for Test 3 and above. All members are welcome to attend these classes, even if they are not taking the exams.
Further information, including times and locations of West Coast prep classes for 2025 will be released once numbers are confirmed.
RECOMMENDED AGES FOR CALI SKILLS PROGRAMS
The Calisthenics Skills Programme is structured for students to undertake examinations approximately every two years. While the recommended ages provide guidance (except for Grade 4 and Medals), each student’s readiness will be evaluated by the coaches to ensure they are well-prepared and knowledgeable before being presented for examination.
| TEST/GRADE |
RECOMMENDED AGE (by 31st December in year of examination) |
| Test 1 |
7 years |
| Test 2 |
7 years |
| Test 3 |
9 years |
| Grade 1 |
11 years |
| Grade 2 |
13 years |
| Grade 3 |
14 years |
| Grade 4 |
15 years |
| Bronze Medal |
16 years, with Grade 4 completed |
| Silver Medal |
17 years, with Grade 4 & Bronze Medal completed |
| Gold Medal |
18 years with Grade 4, Bronze & Silver Medals completed |
CALI SKILL LEVELS
- Tests 1, 2 & 3: Introduce younger students to exams, focusing on technique and confidence.
- Grade 1, 2, 3 & 4: Build terminology, technique, and artistry at an individual pace, with flexibility options and progression in dance movements. Exercises are choreographed to develop co-ordination, artistry, and musicality.
- Medals - Bronze, Silver & Gold: The medals are designed for advanced students, building on Grade techniques to refine performance skills, movement quality, musicality, and spatial awareness. Students master advanced calisthenics and develop creativity through self-choreographed routines, guided by their coach.
COACHING & NATIONAL PREREQUISITES
Coaching Requirements
- Cadet Coach: Must have achieved Calisthenics Skills Grade 1
- Level 1 Coach: Must have achieved Calisthenics Skills Grade 2
National Participation Requirements
To compete in Graceful Solo or Physical Solo/Duo events at the National Championships, participants must meet the following Calisthenics Skills levels by the close of ACF entry, with ages determined as of 31st December:
- 10 and 11 years: Test 3
- 12 and 13 years: Grade 1
- 14 and 15 years: Grade 2
- 16 years: Grade 3
- 17 years & over: Grade 4
For further information please speak to your team coach, team coordinator or visit CAWA - Cali Skills Program
