to not fight his corner?

[popmimiboo]

DS is 15. He's very bright but very lazy about school work. We live abroad so different school system (-very strict, elitist system compared to UK.)
Anyway, DS will start working to his baccalaureate (a level equivalent) in September. There are 3 academic options available and DS wanted to do the one that is maths and science based, which is generally considered the toughest and "best" option. He was on course to do this, despite DH and I feeling that maths is not his best subject and he would do better with a different option (much more balanced, all-round option.)
So, end of year exams were last week. He didn't revise at all and did really badly all round. Teachers have told him, as a result, that he is not allowed to do the option he wanted and has to do the one DH and I think suits him.
DS is furious, sees this as a failure and wants to appeal. He refuses to listen to anyone else's point of

Does "furious and offended" mean that he feels somehow entitled to follow his original choice despite the fact that he clearly did no work for it?

IAmNotAMindReader has put roughly the response he would get from me.

He thought he could coast through. He is flabbergasted that it didn't work and that the school have not put him in for his preferred option despite his poor results.

It is a very harsh life lesson, but sometimes they just have to learn the hard way that everything has to be earned. Nothing is free and nobody should expect special treatment. 15 is definitely not too young to be learning this. If anything I would be reinforcing it. Do not feel guilty. He has made his own mess here, and needs to understand that.

Teenagers are sent to try us. That is why wine and chocolate were invented for parents.

Just an update for anyone interested!
I've just seen the head if year who basically told me (-what I knew) that he is extremely frustrated by DS' lack if effort and basically wanted to give him a kick up the backside. He thinks DS is more than capable of doing the maths/science option but was unsure of his motivation.
He then called in DS and asked his opinion. DS told him he knew he needed to start working and that he really wants to do this option and do well in it.
In the end, they've decided to draw up a contract -from September til half-term, DS will be on "probation" and will have to report to HOY once a week to discuss his work. If DS sticks to his word, he'll continue in this class. If not, he'll have to change.
I'm very happy with this solution. It's up to DS now and he can't blame anyone else. No corner fighting was needed in the end because I totally agreed with the school and am happy with the way they've handled this.

Yay!

All you have to do now is figure out how much prodding, poking and reminding you do / don't do

That is a great outcome

Great. I think that is the best possible result.

Hopefully your DS has taken the lesson on board now, and keeps it in mind.

Experience such as this can be the very best teacher in the end, as there is only so much that parents and teachers can actually do.

Oh that does sound like a good outcome.