Eleventh grade International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Candidates from Rockwall-Heath High School visited the university libraries of the University of Dallas and Southern Methodist University on Thursday, November 5, 2015. Rockwall-Heath Librarian Penny Harris cultivated a relationship with each university so that Rockwall-Heath IBDP students have usage privileges at each library. This can be particularly beneficial to students as they work on their 4000 word extended essay component of the IB diploma. The holdings at the University of Dallas provide a wealth of resources with regard to world cultures and religions while the library at SMU features subject area librarians whose expertise will prove valuable to Rockwall-Heath High School IB students. The students were accompanied by Penny Harris, librarian, Lance Hendric k, counselor, and Michael Napier, History of the Americas and Theory of Knowledge teacher at Rockwall-Heath High School.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous course of studies authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization for juniors and seniors at both Rockwall ISD high schools. The curriculum is made up of six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts, accompanied by the Diploma Programme core (Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and a Creativity, Activity, and Service component).