It may work in the short term; the class may want to go to Alton Towers enough to get their heads down; but subtextually this is handing control to the children. As with any purchase, it will become a matter of choice. They may decide to play ball; they may decide not to. No, thanks; I’m not that bothered about merit marks. I’ll just sit here and do nothing; I’ve been to Alton Towers. Working has been made optional. A merit mark is properly an unexpected reward for a job well done, not a currency for bargaining.