What is the protocol for learning bagua in our school?

Sifu teaches you the 1st palm change and then it's up to you. If you don't show short-term competence when assessed by Sifu, you cannot train bagua.

This may seem strict, but bagua is both hard to learn and hard to teach.

Unless you've got initiative, a willingness to train between lessons, and some aptitude at form... it isn't for you.

Show skill at the 1st palm change and Sifu will teach you the 2nd and so on.