Revise in a month books are good, (especially for revising in a week
) but I also reccomend the Maquarie Biology study guide. These are v. clear and have nothing you don't need to know (Most of the textbooks waffle a bit, even the really good ones) and cover every dot point. It also includes experiments which is *essential* as exams often ask you to describe one.
However you can't just rely on reading out of study guides to learn; if you can't concentrate in class you'll have to make notes for yourself at home. It's hard to learn independently unless you're motivated, but if you are you've got good chances.
While I'm at it, the Excel pocket vocab book for Biology is also pretty good for quick reference (and not too $$
)
Personally, I do more Bio at home than in class because I find my biology teacher fairly monotonous. Also, I enjoy learning by myself - I find I get either bored or confused going at someone else's pace, whereas at my own pace I like biology quite a lot. I think independent learning is one of the best ways to learn anything - you get to be your own boss, you have to be motivated, you care about what you're doing - but it's probably not for everyone.