Yellowknife (Oct 15/04) - A unique approach to the centuries-old practice of diamond cutting and polishing has earned Aurora College an award for innovation.

The 22-week diamond cutting and polishing program includes theory and science in the classroom -- something that many programs don't include, according to Mike Botha, chief instructor.

He figures that scientific approach led to the Award for Outstanding Innovation in Education from Canada's Yves Landry Foundation, which was awarded to the college recently.

The Toronto-based foundation recognizes businesses, educators and government for advancing technology and skills training annually.

"We have a very strong theoretical component. If a person understands crystal structure, it makes them a better polisher.

"It's not done like this anywhere in the world," said Botha.

The program

The reputation of the program precedes it, attracting students from as far as Sierra Leone, South Africa and Armenia.

The course is weighted 50 per cent on theory and 50 per cent on the practical component of cutting and polishing the precious gems.

Elisa Chandler said the teaching methods take the mystery out of the art, which is not a bad thing.

"We seem to be learning a part of crystallography they don't seem to teach in other schools," said the Iqaluit woman.

"We're being taught so that we know where to cut it the first time, she said.

Students study everything from crystallography -- a science dealing with the structures of crystals -- to the historical background of the industry and where it stands today.

The college will be $5,000 richer when Botha and Robert Ward, the co-ordinator of mine training, fly to Toronto to receive the award Nov. 18.

They'll also have the prestige of being recognized nationally for a Northern training program, said Botha.

The 10 students currently enroled had a pizza party recently to celebrate.