Ms Hannah Keep, teacher of Media Studies and head of department from September, has just launched a powerful new documentary series on Netflix: Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombers.
The series, released on 1 July, marks the culmination of five years of work in her former role as Senior Producer, and offers a compelling look into one of the most significant events in recent British history.
The series features a wide range of voices – from former Prime Minister Tony Blair to survivors and those directly affected by the 7/7 bombings. “It was my role to navigate this and find a broad range of fascinating voices”, Ms Keep explains. “Our storytellers are from diverse backgrounds and have different roles in the story. They all provide a different component to the series.”
With over 13 years of experience in documentary filmmaking, Ms Keep is no stranger to the challenges of telling real stories. “The greatest challenges as a documentary producer are consistently seeking out reliable and truthful stories and ensuring you are always prioritising the wellbeing and care of your contributors.”, she says. This ethical approach is evident in the series, which feels both timely and deeply respectful of its subjects.
Bringing Industry Experience into the Classroom
Ms Keep’s professional background has had a profound impact on her teaching. “Media Studies A-Level is 50% practical, so the boys are planning their first films as soon as they start Lower Sixth.” Her real-life experience allows her to guide boys not just theoretically, but practically too by helping them understand the challenges of storytelling and the realities of working in media.
“I aim to encourage boys to explore and better understand the creative challenges of filmmaking”, she adds. “I speak from real-world experience, not just a hypothetical scenario. I offer practical insights into what’s achievable and I’m keen to encourage boys to consider a range of creative media careers.”
Ms Keep is passionate about helping boys find their voice. “Lots of what I am teaching the boys in this A-Level is how to feel confident in their own ideas and see them through.”, she says. With the rise of platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, she sees her pupils as natural content creators. “The privilege here is that I can inspire pupils to create meaningful content and tell a great story.”
Her classroom is enriched by examples from her own career.
“I can show them all my old work. I can draw up real experiences and share them, which elevate their own expectations of their work. There’s a person in the room who has made films and that’s, hopefully, useful for them to see what is possible.”
As Ms Keep steps into her new role as Head of Media Studies this September, her blend of academic insight and industry experience promises to inspire a new generation of storytellers. Her Netflix series is not just a testament to her skill as a producer – it is also a powerful example of how media can educate, inform and connect people.
Watch the official trailer for Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombers here.
