It’s this notion of subtext that makes me suspicious of rewards and sanctions policies. They are, of course, essential and, as we said earlier, they are powerful in depersonalizing management issues. But they do have do have a subtext which becomes clear when they are overused. The frequent giving of rewards soon looks like bribery. The reward becomes a payment for services rendered. ‘ If you finish this, I’ll give you a merit mark..’ is a fatal transaction. 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.