Thread Leader Model

Thread Leader Model

I created The Thread Leader Model as a framework for embedding coherence, collaboration, and leadership across any curriculum. Initially developed for the BSc Applied Software Development (ASD), it structures programmes around a set of threads, cross-cutting themes that run vertically through all modules and levels. Each thread is led by a designated champion, ensuring consistent skill development, assessment alignment, and pedagogical integration.
While the original ASD model included six themes- Agile, META Skills, Security, Sustainability, Business, and Technical Knowledge, the framework is intentionally adaptable. When repurposed, these can be replaced with threads relevant to any discipline, such as Digital Literacy, Sustainability and Global Citizenship, Employability and Professional Identity, Research and Inquiry, Communication and Leadership, or Personal Wellbeing and Reflection.
This approach is grounded in constructive alignment (Biggs & Tang, 2011), ensuring that outcomes, teaching, and assessments form a coherent learning journey. It draws on distributed leadership (Kezar & Holcombe, 2017; Hargreaves & O’Connor, 2018) by empowering staff to act as champions for thematic areas, building collective responsibility and pedagogical innovation. It also reflects Kolmos, de Graaff & Du’s (2016) principles of interdisciplinary, problem-based learning, enabling students to connect theory with authentic, real-world challenges.
The model supports leaders in:
• creating vertical coherence across curricula (A1, K2, LTESV10);
• embedding employability, sustainability, and inclusivity (A3, V2, V4, LTESV3, 7); and
• fostering collaborative professionalism among staff teams (A5, V5, LTESV8).
By combining pedagogical coherence with shared leadership, the Thread Leader Model offers a scalable and transferable tool for programme leaders seeking to integrate authentic, future-focused learning across disciplines.