They would pay attention, be heads down in their work and not be disruptive.
Healthy creativity at work. There are tasks, goals, outcomes and a sense of pride to boot.
I sucked at most stuff in school except physical education which I loved. Funny thing though, I was not a jock, or at least didn't hang with them.
Perhaps you were like me - hung out with the girls!
It makes me think that our school systems may need a major shift in how they educate and prepare kids for the real world.
This is especially true now, where many of the jobs people are educating for, won't exist in the not too distant future. Especially if they don't have creative skills to accompany the process skills.
I chased the gals for sure and hung out with some. But honestly as I look back I hung out on the fringes of all the different groups of kids. The jocks, the stoners, the nerds, the preps etc. I never fit into any of them, but always seemed to have a friend or two in each.
For the most part I was and still am the same. I can have a good conversation with anyone, on anything. I think it is partly because I am curious too.