Punishment? Why on earth would you punish a child for doing something to show what he really wants? I remember being an age when who you went to school with was all that mattered and despite placing into a top high school here in NYC, I lied to my parents and said I didn’t make it – best decision I ever made. It doesn’t matter about G&T or any of those focuses if their heart isn’t in their education and being surrounded by people (like friends) that support you makes all the difference. Your child is 11, beginning to figure out what it’s like to make their own decisions and I think a long talk and maybe some counseling (for you on how to address such conversations not saying in a mean way) would help.