The Queen has spent the morning visiting Lister Community School to find out about the work the Queen’s Trust does in schools.

Newham Recorder: Her Majesty arrived to cheers from the crowdHer Majesty arrived to cheers from the crowd (Image: Archant)

Her Majesty arrived at the school in St Mary’s Road, Plaistow, to cheers and screams of excitement from the crowd.

Pupils from nearby Plaistow and Southern Road primary schools joined some of Lister’s students and members of the public in waving flags and banners.

She was welcomed by the school’s head boy, Elijah Walker, before listening to a performance from Drum Works and a combined Lister, Southern Road and Plaistow choir.

The Queen was then taken on a tour of the school, meeting staff, students and representatives from a number of the partner organisations supported by the Queen’s Trust.

Newham Recorder: Newham pupils wave their Union Jacks for the QueenNewham pupils wave their Union Jacks for the Queen (Image: Archant)

This included the IntoUniversity programme, which provides study opportunities and revision centres to develop young people academically.

Year 11 student Rabia Ghaffar spoke to the Queen about her involvement in the scheme.

The 15-year-old said: “I was excited and nervous when she came in.

“We talked about the opportunities at IntoUniversity and what we are studying.”

Newham Recorder: The Queen receives a posy from Nahfiza Begum, 11The Queen receives a posy from Nahfiza Begum, 11 (Image: Archant)

Lister is a specialist science and music school, and the Queen had an opportunity to observe both during her visit.

She watched a GCSE science lesson and saw the school’s orchestra perform alongside the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain – another of the partner organisations supported by the Queen’s Trust.

Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to mark her visit and signed the school’s visitors book before receiving a posy of flowers from 11-year-old Nahfiza Begum.

The Year 7 student said: “I was really excited. It was a really good opportunity for me.

Newham Recorder: Well-wishers lined the street to welcome the QueenWell-wishers lined the street to welcome the Queen (Image: Archant)

“I was only asked to do it this morning.

“She said ‘thankyou’ and that she really liked the flowers.”

Assistant headteacher Simon Beck explained that although the visit had been arranged in December, it had been largely kept a secret, with most staff and students finding out this week.

He said: “Some of the students said ‘we’ll believe you when we see her’.

“I think they believe us now.”