I think there shouldn't be that school animation (before casting a spell) for things like charms, wards and wand damage. Just wave a wand quickly and they're sent... and animation displays only when using normal spells (damage or healing).
This I think makes it look better instead of seeing that animation each and every time.
In really long battles, after seeing a spell once or twice, I'm ok if the spell animation was cut out or reduced.
Why not simply randomize how the spells appear as they're cast. This way, players sometimes see full animations; and other times they don't. Some suggestions are shown below:
Full spell animation
Only hear the spell's name being cast
See the spell's name floating in front of the casting wizard; while its cast
Hear and see the spell's name as its cast
Just have the wizard's hands and arms moving in front of them
The spell's icon or image appear underneath the wizard until its cast
This may not be perfect, but it would reduce seeing full spell animation every time a spell is cast, yet provide a random affect different players will appreciate
