Why do schools make the students learn subjects they don't want to study? The topics that students want to learn, not the topics the school wants them to learn, should be allowed to be chosen by them. If they were given the option to select their own classes, students would be more responsive and inventive because they would feel more in control of their learning.
Many students receive detentions or are grounded as punishment for performing poorly in class. If students were allowed to choose their own classes, they might be able to concentrate more on the courses they already enjoy and excel at and push forward without being afraid of being punished.