Home Ec - Pffft!
My mom taught me to sew when I was 8. By the time I got to grade 7 home ec, I was drafting my own patterns.
Then I had to make something from a 4 piece pattern? I was put out. I brought a pattern and fabric from mom's stash, and was told "No, you can't make that. It's too difficult. You need to buy a 'super simple' pattern".
So, I made that dress, and wore it to class the next week.
After that, they let me bring whatever pattern I wanted. :P