T H E   F I R S T  Y E A R  C U R R I C U L U M

The first year is based on a tightly-organized curriculum, with all students following the same course pattern. Short term units by visiting faculty, of a few days or a few weeks, are combined with ongoing courses such as measured drawing and artifact conservation. This ensures a broad exposure to the challenges of conservation theory and practice, with a combination of class work, studio work, shop work, case studies, and field visits. 

The curriculum covers all three of the primary areas of study, but with an emphasis on Research and Documentation, and on Conservation Craftsmanship. These areas provide a broad introduction to the range of cultural heritage places, and the many conservation challenges and skills involved in understanding and addressing them. 

Evaluation of student work is based on the three areas of study and on class assignments within each area.   There is a balance of written work, hand work, drawings and photos, and oral presentations. 

T H E   S E C O N D   Y E A R   C U R R I C U L U M

The second year curriculum continues activities in all three of the primary areas of study.  However, increased emphasis is given to Conservation Planning, and to Project Management. 

With the change in emphasis, there is more opportunity for team work in addition to individual work.  This allows students to emphasize particular areas of interest within the class assignments, and to begin to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of conservation teamwork. 

Each second year class is involved in projects on sites throughout the Niagara region.  The students also plan and implement a project within the Willowbank estate, by refining the management plan for the estate and organizing a team approach to its implementation. 

More advanced assignments continue in the areas of research and documentation, and in conservation craftsmanship. 

T H E    T H I R D    Y E A R    C U R R I C U L U M

The third year curriculum is structured separately for each student.  There are ongoing opportunities for involvement in the three primary areas, but students either individually or in teams are also required to design and implement an independent conservation project, known as the thesis project. 

Some of the thesis projects occur within the Willowbank estate; others are at nearby sites.  Special consideration is given to students who wish to work further afield.  The School works with partners in the government sector, the private sector, and the academic sector to provide thesis project opportunities. 

The thesis projects are carefully documented as part of the ongoing evaluation. They become part of the student record of their Willowbank experience.

Graduates of the Diploma Program receive a Diploma in
C O N S E R V A T I O N   A N D   R E S T O R A T I O N   A R T S